4 dic 1183 anni - Siege of Kerak

Descrizione:

The siege of Kerak in 1183 saw Saladin's forces challenge the Crusader stronghold held by Raynald of Châtillon. Raynald had provoked Saladin with raids on caravans and a naval expedition targeting Muslim holy cities, justifying Saladin's campaign against the Kerak castle, located south of Amman.

Prelude:
Kerak, a strategic point on the route from Egypt to Damascus, had been a center of conflict due to Raynald's aggressive actions against Muslim trade routes. Saladin, aiming to secure the region, decided to siege the castle during the wedding of Humphrey IV of Toron and Isabella, King Baldwin IV’s half-sister, taking place within the castle walls.

Siege and Relief:
Saladin's siege began with bombardments, although he initially ordered his troops to spare the tower where the wedding was held, likely out of respect or to preserve valuable hostages. Despite the ongoing celebration, the castle's defenses were severely tested by Saladin’s catapults. Word of the siege reached King Baldwin IV in Jerusalem, who, despite being severely ill with leprosy and blind, led a relief force to Kerak with Raymond III of Tripoli.

Saladin withdrew his forces when the relief army approached, lifting the siege temporarily. He returned in 1184 but was again repelled by another Crusader relief force. Kerak remained under Crusader control until 1188.

Aftermath:
The siege exemplified the ongoing struggle between the Crusaders and Muslim forces in the region. Despite the siege's failure, it demonstrated Saladin's commitment to removing Crusader influence. Kerak’s resistance against Saladin’s forces symbolized the enduring conflict in the Levant, culminating in further major engagements, including the eventual siege of Jerusalem.

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