The Crusades Research Paper

Dry, hot days and nights. The sun beat on the backs of the Crusaders who were desperate for any moisture, draft or shade. The heat was so unbearable it had prevented them from sweating and was causing some of the Crusaders to overheat and perish (Britannica School Library-Battle of Hattin). To make matters worse the only available fresh water, had dried up (Crusades: The Illustrated History, Thomas Madden). A faint thundering sound began sound. The tired eyes Crusaders opened in worry, than their worried eyes squinted with determination. The rumbling noise seemed to be getting louder and until it enclosed the Crusaders. A circle cloud of dust began to rise as the rumbling the grew louder. The bright sun created a dark silhouette of a mass …show more content…
Chatillon had a reputation for aggravating Saldin and was the fuel for the Muslim chief’s anger and hatred towards the Christians. (The Crusades: Christians at War, pg. 44). It was near the end of 1187 when Chatillon broke the truce by ransacking an Arab troop, while travelling from Cairo to Damascus. (The Crusades: Christians at War, pg. 44, Britannica- Reginald de Châtillon). The Muslim caravan was travelling to Mecca to deliver goods and slaves with the people of Damascus since a truce ,in 1180, was made and had allowed trade to occur between Jerusalem and Damascus. (The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, pg. 186-187, Amin Maalouf) The armed men were slaughtered and the rest of the merchants and pilgrims were held in Kerak, imprisoned. (The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, pg. 187) Saladin, infuriated, assembled an army of over 60,00 men. He intended to make the Christians suffer for making a fool out of him. With a searing, intensified anger and a strong determination to fulfill the jihad, Saladin, and the largest army he had ever commanded, advanced to destroy the Christians. (The Crusades: Christians at War, pg.44) When the Muslim army was entering the surrounding area of Tiberias, Saladin ordered that the count let the recruiters inspect the coastline of Lake Galilee for any Crusaders. The count only agreed on certain terms; that the villagers and their property remain undamaged and …show more content…
The first line of defense was obliterated by the dense wall of swords and the rest of the Crusaders were pushed back up the hill. They knew that no wall of defense could be maintained. The opposition knew their fate but they continued to fight. The Muslims lit the dry grass on fire and the smoke blew into the eyes of the Crusaders. The Crusaders were losing and wanted to retreat but instead attacked back multiple times with consequences including a high number of Crusaders lost. These strikes were enough to have an effect on the Muslims. Saladin managed to attain the True Cross. (The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, pg. 192) When the remaining Crusaders decided to move to an area above the village of Hatiin to consider their options, the Muslim army attacked from all sides. The only tent that stayed standing was the King’s. Saladin again ordered his army to attack the king and his fell. King Guy and Reynald de Châtillon were brought to Saladin. Saladin showed kindness towards Guy by giving him water and was strict and cold towards Reynald. Saladin left to check on his troops and when he returned he cut of the head of Reynald de Châtillon. The Muslim leader assured Guy that the reason he was killed was because of his wild wickedness. (The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, pg. 193) The Hospitallers and Templars that remained were also killed. Surprisingly when Saladin ordered the commanding fortress of Tiberius be invaded,