4 lugl 1187 anni - Battle of Hattin

Descrizione:

The immediate prelude to the Battle of Hattin began with Raynald of Châtillon’s attack on a Muslim caravan during a truce, prompting Saladin’s retaliation. In response, the Templars, led by Gerard de Ridefort, suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Cresson. By mid-1187, Saladin launched a large-scale offensive, laying siege to Tiberias, which was defended by Raymond III’s wife, Eschiva. Despite the strategic advice of Raymond and the Knights Hospitaller to avoid direct confrontation, Guy was persuaded by Gerard de Ridefort to confront Saladin.

The Crusader army, heavily burdened and poorly positioned without access to water, was lured away from their strong position at La Saphorie to the arid plateau near Hattin. Saladin capitalized on this tactical error, surrounding the Crusaders and cutting off access to nearby water sources. The ensuing battle on July 4 was a decisive victory for Saladin, marked by the capture of the True Cross and leading to the eventual fall of Jerusalem.

This battle not only underscored the strategic and political missteps of the Crusader leadership but also demonstrated Saladin’s adeptness at warfare and diplomacy, reshaping the landscape of the Near Eastern politics and leading to the Third Crusade.

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