1 gen 1220 anni - Battle of Belvoir Castle

Descrizione:

The Battle of Belvoir Castle (Battle of Le Forbelet) in mid-1182 was a crucial episode in Saladin's campaign against the Crusaders, marked by a strategic clash between Saladin’s Ayyubid forces from Egypt and the Crusaders led by King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. The Crusaders managed to repel Saladin's offensive during this encounter.

Background:
Saladin had been expanding his control since becoming the vizier of Egypt in 1169 and the head of the Ayyubid dynasty. After a failed major invasion in 1177, which culminated in a defeat at Montgisard, and subsequent battles including Marj Ayyun and Jacob’s Ford, Saladin adopted a cautious approach. Despite a truce in 1180 with Baldwin IV and Raymond III of Tripoli, tensions resumed when Reynald of Châtillon violated the truce in 1182, attacking Muslim pilgrims and prompting Saladin to retaliate.

Campaign:
Saladin’s campaign began in May 1182, progressing from Egypt to Damascus while intermittently raiding Crusader territories. Despite strategic defensive maneuvers by the Crusaders, including positioning near key water sources, Saladin managed to advance north, ultimately engaging the Crusaders near Belvoir Castle.

Battle:
The Crusaders employed their typical battle formation, effectively countering Saladin’s tactics of archery assaults and feigned retreats. Despite intense skirmishes, a full-scale battle was avoided, and Saladin eventually withdrew to Damascus after failing to significantly breach Crusader defenses.

Aftermath:
Following the battle, Saladin briefly besieged Beirut and continued his military campaigns across Syria and Mesopotamia. Meanwhile, Baldwin IV, debilitated by leprosy, delegated significant authority, which led to internal political adjustments within the Crusader states. The ongoing conflict set the stage for further confrontations, including Saladin’s significant push towards Jerusalem in the ensuing years.

Aggiunto al nastro di tempo:

Data: