Page "Saladin" Paragraph 79

The armies of Saladin engaged in combat with the army of King Richard at the Battle of Arsuf on September 7, 1191, at which Saladin's forces were defeated.

After the battle of Arsuf, Richard moved his forces towards Ascalon.

Anticipating Richard's next move, Saladin emptied the city and camped a few miles away.

When Richard arrived at the city, he was stunned to see it abandoned and the towers demolished.

The next day when Richard was preparing to retreat to Jaffa, Saladin attacked his Army.

After a furious battle, Richard managed to save some of his troops and retreated to Ascalon.

This was the last major battle between the two forces.

All military attempts and battles made by Richard the Lionheart to re-take Jerusalem were defeated and failed.

Richard only had 2, 000 fit soldiers and 50 fit knights to use in battle.

With such a small force, Richard could not hope to take Jerusalem even though he got near enough to see the Holy City.

However, Saladin's relationship with Richard was one of chivalrous mutual respect as well as military rivalry.

At Arsuf, when Richard lost his horse, Saladin sent him two replacements.

Richard proposed that his sister, Joan of England, Queen of Sicily, should marry Saladin's brother and that Jerusalem could be their wedding gift.

However, the two men never met face to face and communication was either written or by messenger.