Page "Saladin" Paragraph 73

In July 1187 Saladin captured most of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

On July 4, 1187, at the Battle of Hattin, he faced the combined forces of Guy of Lusignan, King Consort of Jerusalem and Raymond III of Tripoli.

In this battle alone the Crusader force was largely annihilated by Saladin's determined army.

It was a major disaster for the Crusaders and a turning point in the history of the Crusades.

Saladin captured Raynald de Châtillon and was personally responsible for his execution in retaliation for his attacks against Muslim caravans.

The members of these caravans had, in vain, besought his mercy by reciting the truce between the Muslims and the Crusaders, but he ignored this and insulted their prophet Muhammad before murdering and torturing a number of them.

Upon hearing this, Saladin swore an oath to personally execute Raynald.