Battles & Campaigns · 1099
Battle of Ascalon
Near Ashkelon, Israel
What happened
Soon after the Crusaders took Jerusalem, a Fatimid army gathered outside the coastal city of Ascalon. The Crusaders marched out from Jerusalem and attacked the Fatimid camp at dawn, while many soldiers were unprepared. The fighting ended quickly, and al-Afdal escaped by ship to Egypt.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the first attempt to retake Jerusalem from the Crusaders and secured their new Kingdom of Jerusalem. It is often called the last action of the First Crusade.
What came next
Most Crusaders then went home, leaving only a small force to defend the kingdom. Ascalon itself stayed in Fatimid hands until 1153.
Did you know?
Livestock left near the Fatimid camp were meant to tempt the Crusaders to scatter and loot, according to captives.
Timeline
- August 1099Al-Afdal lands a Fatimid army at Ascalon.
- 10 August 1099The Crusaders leave Jerusalem.
- 12 August 1099Battle of Ascalon.
- 1153 CESiege of Ascalon.