1 май 1187 г. - Siege of Tiberias

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Saladin's strategic preparation for the Battle of Hattin involved assembling a formidable force of around 40,000 men, including 12,000 cavalry, on the Golan Heights. He meticulously inspected his forces at Tell-Ashtara and crossed the River Jordan on June 30, positioning his army advantageously against the Crusaders. Saladin also secured the support of the Druze community, led by Jamal ad-Din Hajji, integrating local grievances into his campaign and boosting his army's motivation.

Saladin's initial military maneuver was an attack on Tiberias, aimed to provoke the Crusaders. By threatening this fortress, he sought to lure the Crusader army away from their fortified and strategically superior position at La Saphorie. This site was a well-watered and defendable location, which had previously served as a crucial gathering point for the Crusaders during Muslim advances.

The Crusaders, under the command of Guy, mustered a diverse and substantial force at La Saphorie, including knights, lighter cavalry, foot soldiers, and crossbowmen supplemented by mercenaries funded by King Henry II of England. Despite their strong defensive positioning, internal disputes and strategic miscalculations led to a fateful decision. Influenced by accusations of cowardice and internal rivalries, particularly against Raymond who advocated for maintaining their position, Guy resolved to engage Saladin directly, abandoning their defensible location.

Raymond of Tripoli argued against Guy's decision to march to Tiberias, which was exactly what Saladin had hoped for. He argued that the safety of the kingdom should take precedence over the defense of his personal fortress and suggested that the Crusaders maintain their strong position at La Saphorie. However, the internal politics and accusations from other leaders like Gerard and Raynald swayed Guy towards a proactive attack, leading to the crucial mistake of moving the Crusader army into a vulnerable position.

Saladin's forces executed a well-planned assault on Tiberias, leading to a quick breach and intense conflict within the fortress. Despite attempts by the garrison to negotiate, Saladin pressed the attack, demonstrating his refusal to settle for tribute or half measures. As the Crusaders departed their stronghold to engage Saladin, they fell into his trap, marching into adverse conditions that would lead to their eventual overwhelming defeat at Hattin. This battle decisively shifted the regional power balance, paving the way for Saladin's capture of Jerusalem and marking a significant turning point in the Crusades. The Crusader's failure to recognize Saladin’s strategic intentions and their internal disunity were key factors that led to one of their most significant defeats.

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