Siege of Acre (1189–1191)

Quick Facts: Who was Siege of Acre (1189–1191)?

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Siege of Acre (1189–1191)

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The pivotal 1189–1191 conflict that marked a major turning point in the Third Crusade.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The siege of Acre was the first significant counterattack by Guy of Jerusalem against Saladin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria. This pivotal siege formed part of what later became known as the Third Crusade. The siege lasted from August 1189 until July 1191, at which time the city's coastal position meant the attacking Latin forces were unable to fully capture the city and Saladin was unable to fully relieve it, with both sides receiving supplies and resources by sea. It concluded as a key victory for the Crusaders and a serious setback for Saladin's ambition to destroy the Crusader states. Egypt was ruled by the Shi'ite Fatimid dynasty from 969, independent from the Sunni Abbasid rulers in Baghdad and with a rival Shi'ite caliph—that is successor to the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

Career & Major Achievements

Governance fell to the caliph's chief administrator called the vizier. From 1121, the system fell into murderous political intrigue and Egypt declined from its previous affluent state. This encouraged Baldwin III of Jerusalem to plan an invasion that was only halted by the payment by Egypt of a tribute of 160,000 gold dinars. In 1163 the deposed vizier, Shawar, visited Zengi's son and successor, Nur ad-Din, atabeg of Aleppo, in Damascus seeking political and military support. Some historians have considered Nur ad-Din's support as a visionary attempt to surround the Crusaders, but in practice he prevaricated before only responding when it became clear that the Crusaders might gain an unassailable foothold on the Nile.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Nur al-Din sent his Kurdish general, Shirkuh, who stormed Egypt and restored Shawar. However, Shawar asserted his independence and allied with Baldwin's brother and successor Amalric of Jerusalem. When Amalric broke the alliance in a ferocious attack, Shawar again requested military support from Syria and Shirkuh was sent by Nur ad-Din for a second time. Amalric retreated, but the victorious Shirkuh had Shawar executed and was appointed vizier. Barely two months later he died to be succeeded by his nephew, Yusuf ibn Ayyub, who has become known by his honorific Salah al-Din, 'the goodness of faith', which in turn has become westernised as Saladin.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1121: 1121 Milestone — From 1121, the system fell into murderous political intrigue and Egypt declined from its previous affluent state.
2. 1163: 1163 Milestone — In 1163 the deposed vizier, Shawar, visited Zengi's son and successor, Nur ad-Din, atabeg of Aleppo, in Damascus seeking political and military support.
3. 1189: 1189 Milestone — The siege lasted from August 1189 until July 1191, at which time the city's coastal position meant the attacking Latin forces were unable to fully capture the city and Saladin was unable to fully relieve it, with both sides receiving supplies and resources by sea.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Acre (1189–1191)

True or False: “Did the Siege of Acre conclude with the Crusaders achieving a total capture and elimination of Saladin's forces?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The siege concluded as a key victory for the Crusaders, but because of its coastal position, neither side could fully capture or relieve the city.

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