Saladin Captures Jerusalem from Crusaders

Summary

By the late 12th century, the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem had held the holy city since 1099, but its defenses weakened after internal divisions and military setbacks. Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria had unified Muslim forces and sought to reclaim the city central to Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions. After decisively defeating the Crusader army at the Battle of Hattin in July 1187, Saladin advanced on Jerusalem and began a siege in September. On October 2, after negotiations led by defender Balian of Ibelin, the city surrendered peacefully rather than face assault. Saladin allowed most inhabitants to ransom their freedom and depart in an orderly manner, avoiding the mass slaughter that had occurred during the Crusader conquest nearly nine decades earlier.