Page "Jacob's Well" Paragraph 7

The Byzantine church was definitely in ruins by the time the Crusaders occupied Nablus in August 1099 ; early 12th century accounts by pilgrims to the site speak of the well without mentioning a church.

There are later 12th century accounts of a newly built church at Jacob's Well.

The first such definitive account comes from Theoderic, who writes: " The well ... is a half a mile distant from the city: it lies in front of the altar in the church built over it, in which nuns devote themselves to the service of God.

This well is called the Fountain of Jacob.

" This Crusader era church was constructed in 1175, likely due to the support of Queen Melisande, who was exiled to Nablus in 1152 where she lived until her death in 1161.

This church appears to have been destroyed following Saladin's victory over the Crusaders in the Battle of Hittin in 1187.