Battle of Fariskur
Fariskur, near Damietta, Egypt
What happened
King Louis IX of France and his crusader army fought the Ayyubid army of Sultan Turanshah, with Mamluk commanders including Baybars. During the Seventh Crusade, Louis IX had captured Damietta but was defeated at Mansurah. His weakened army tried to retreat to Damietta by night, and Egyptian forces caught it near Fariskur. The crusader army was destroyed, and Louis was taken prisoner.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the Seventh Crusade. Louis was released only after paying a huge ransom and giving up Damietta.
What came next
Soon afterwards the Mamluk commanders seized power and became the new rulers of Egypt. Louis later led another crusade and died at Tunis in 1270.
Did you know?
Louis IX was later made a saint and is the only French king to be canonised.
Timeline
- June 1249Louis IX lands in Egypt and takes Damietta.
- April 1250Louis is defeated at Fariskur and captured.
- 8 May 1250Louis is released.
- 25 August 1270Louis dies at Tunis.
- 1297Louis is canonised.