Siege of Jerusalem (1187)

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Siege of Jerusalem (1187)

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The 1187 siege marked the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, ending Crusader control.

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Origins & Early Life

The siege of Jerusalem lasted from 20 September to 2 October 1187, when Balian of Ibelin surrendered the city to the forces of the Ayyubid Sultanate under sultan Saladin. Earlier that summer, Egyptian forces under Saladin had defeated the kingdom's army and conquered several cities. Balian was charged with organizing a defense. The city was full of refugees but had few soldiers. Despite this fact, the defenders managed to repulse several attempts by the Egyptian army to take the city by storm.

Career & Major Achievements

Balian bargained with Saladin to buy safe passage for many, and the city was peacefully surrendered with limited bloodshed. Though Jerusalem fell, it was not the end of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, as the capital shifted first to Tyre and later to Acre after the Third Crusade. Latin Christians responded in 1189 by launching the Third Crusade led by Richard the Lionheart, Philip Augustus, and Frederick Barbarossa separately. In Jerusalem, Saladin restored Muslim holy sites and generally showed tolerance towards Christians; he allowed Orthodox and Eastern Christian pilgrims to visit the holy sites freely—though Frankish (i.e. Catholic) pilgrims were required to pay a fee for entry. The control of Christian affairs in the city was handed over to the patriarch of Constantinople.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Kingdom of Jerusalem, weakened by internal disputes, was defeated at the Battle of Hattin on 4 July 1187. Most of the nobility were taken prisoner, including King Guy. Thousands of Muslim slaves were freed. By mid-September, Saladin had taken Acre, Nablus, Jaffa, Toron, Sidon, Beirut, and Ascalon. The survivors of the battle and other refugees fled to Tyre, the only city able to hold out against Saladin, due to the fortuitous arrival of Conrad of Montferrat.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1187: 1187 Milestone — The siege of Jerusalem lasted from 20 September to 2 October 1187, when Balian of Ibelin surrendered the city to the forces of the Ayyubid Sultanate under sultan Saladin.
2. 1189: 1189 Milestone — Latin Christians responded in 1189 by launching the Third Crusade led by Richard the Lionheart, Philip Augustus, and Frederick Barbarossa separately.

Notable Quotes by Siege of Jerusalem (1187)

“Saladin told Balian that he had sworn to take the city by force, and would only accept an unconditional surrender.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Jerusalem (1187)

True or False: “The fall of Jerusalem in 1187 immediately ended all Christian presence in the Levant.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Although the city fell to Muslim control, the Kingdom of Jerusalem shifted its capital to Tyre and later Acre, and Eastern Christians retained some rights.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Louis VIII of France — Historical peer (Born in 1187) (1187): King of France, known as The Lion, whose reign saw military campaigns and policy shifts.
• Benkei — Historical peer (Died in 1189) (1189): Legendary warrior monk renowned for immense strength and unwavering loyalty.
• Henry II of England — Historical peer (Died in 1189) (1189): Powerful Angevin monarch who ruled England and vast territories across France.
• Siege of Leningrad — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A devastating 872-day military blockade by Axis powers against Leningrad (1941–1944).
• Siege of Malta (World War II) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal WWII battle for the Mediterranean, crucial to Allied success in North Africa.
• Siege of Metz (1870) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal siege during the Franco-Prussian War that led to the capture of Metz.

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