The Capture of Jerusalem by Saladin

Saladin, by Gustave Doré

On July 4, 1187 the internally disputed Kingdom of Jerusalem was defeated by the forces of the Ayyubid dynasty led by Kurdish General Saladin, at the Battle of Hattin. Victorious Saladin took over most of the crumbling Crusader Kingdom, while capturing its major cities: Sidon, Beirut, Acre, Jaffa, Nablus, Toron and Ascalon. Most of the crusader nobility were taken prisoner, including King Guy. Remaining crusader refugees fled to the city of Tyre, which was the only city able to hold against Saladin. While being in Tyre, Balian of Ibelin had asked Saladin for a safe passage to Jerusalem in order to retrieve his wife Maria Comnena and members of his family. Saladin granted his request, under the terms that Balian was not to remain in Jerusalem for more than a day and would not take up arms against him. Under this oath Balian took to the holy city. Upon arriving in Jerusalem Balian was asked by the residents of the holy city to stay and protect it from the armies of the Ayyubids. He was moved to ask Saladin to free him from his oath, so that he could stay in Jerusalem and help in its defense. Saladin agreed, arranging for an escort to take Balian’s wife and children to safety. By accepting the request to stay and guard Jerusalem Balian failed in keeping he's word to Saladin.

On September 20, 1187 the armies of Syria and Egypt, assembled under the command of the Saladin and besieged Jerusalem.  The siege began to the north and the west of the walled city. Saladin’s army included some 200,000 fighters, who faced a defending force of around 150 Christians. Over the following days, the tiny Christian force held off the Muslims, causing them significant casualties, until the Saracens launched their assault from the Mount of Olives, to the east. On October 2, 1187, Saladin’s armies broke through the walls of Jerusalem and the Muslim general captured the holy city.  

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