15 окт 1247 г. - Siege of Ascalon

Описание:

The siege of Ascalon by the Ayyubid sultan, As-Salih Ayyub, resulted in the capture of the city from the Hospitaller garrison.

Background: Following the Barons' Crusade and the repair of Ascalon's walls, the city became a refuge for some of the escaping Crusaders. As-Salih Ayyub, after securing victory in a civil war, turned his attention to the Crusaders and marched towards Ascalon after capturing Tiberias, Mount Tabor, and Belvoir.

Siege: Ascalon's Hospitaller garrison, recognizing the impending threat, called for aid from Cyprus and Acre. Henry I of Cyprus dispatched a fleet and knights to assist, but they encountered a storm that damaged the Muslim blockade fleet and forced them to retreat. However, bad weather compelled the Crusader navy to return to Acre, leaving Ascalon vulnerable.

Outcome: With no siege equipment, the Ayyubids utilized the wreckage of their fleet to construct battering rams and breached Ascalon's defenses on October 15. The surprise attack resulted in the majority of the Crusaders being killed or captured. As-Salih Ayyub ordered the city to be demolished and left desolate, choosing not to pursue further campaigns and instead focusing on fortifying Jerusalem and spending the winter in Damascus.

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