Battle of Hattin
Horns of Hattin, Galilee
What happened
Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria, led the Ayyubid army against the Crusader army of King Guy of Lusignan of Jerusalem, whose leaders included Raymond III of Tripoli and Raynald of Châtillon. Raynald of Châtillon attacked a Muslim pilgrim caravan during a truce, and Saladin vowed revenge and besieged Tiberias. Against Raymond's advice, King Guy marched his army across hot, dry land to save the city, and archers harassed them all the way. The thirsty Crusaders camped on a dry plateau near the Horns of Hattin, and the next morning Saladin's forces surrounded and defeated them.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The Crusader army was destroyed, and Saladin went on to take most of the Crusader kingdom. The defeat led Europe to launch the Third Crusade.
What came next
Saladin captured Acre and Jaffa, and Jerusalem surrendered to him on 2 October 1187. King Guy was held prisoner in Damascus and released in 1188.
Did you know?
After the battle Saladin offered the captured King Guy a cup of water, a sign that his life would be spared.
Timeline
- 3 July 1187Guy's army marches toward Tiberias with almost no water.
- 4 July 1187Saladin's forces defeat the Crusaders at the Horns of Hattin.
- 2 October 1187Jerusalem surrenders to Saladin.
- 1189The Third Crusade begins.
- 4 March 1193Saladin dies in Damascus.