The Battle of Montgisard, fought on 25 November 1177, stands as one of the most dramatic victories in the history of the Crusader states. Outnumbered and caught off guard, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem led a desperate charge that shattered Saladin’s seemingly unstoppable advance into the Latin Kingdom. The encounter became a defining moment in the young king’s reign and a sharp lesson in overconfidence for the Ayyubid leader.
Background
Following the fall of Gaza and the near-collapse of Crusader defences in the south, Saladin believed the road to Jerusalem lay wide open. The bulk of the Frankish army had been diverted north with Philip of Flanders, leaving only a modest force behind. Baldwin IV, afflicted by leprosy and just sixteen years old, refused to abandon the kingdom’s heartland and mustered what forces he could to resist the Ayyubid tide.
Forces
| Side | Leader | Estimated Troop Numbers | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingdom of Jerusalem | King Baldwin IV | c. 500 knights, several thousand foot soldiers | Knights Templar, feudal levies, local militias |
| Ayyubid Sultanate | Salah ad-Din (Saladin) | 20,000–26,000 men | Primarily cavalry, including Mamluks and Turkic horse archers |
Leaders and Troop Composition
Kingdom of Jerusalem
- King Baldwin IV – Personal command despite illness, rode into battle strapped to his horse
- Odo de St Amand – Grand Master of the Knights Templar
- Raynald of Châtillon – Released from captivity but not present at Montgisard
- Troops included:
- Knights Templar (some 80–100 men)
- Hospitaller remnants
- Pilgrims-turned-combatants
- Foot soldiers from Ascalon and nearby towns
Ayyubid Sultanate
- Sultan Saladin – Commanded a large and confident expeditionary force
- Troops included:
- Sudanese and Kurdish infantry
- Mamluk cavalry
- Horse archers from the eastern frontier
- Light and medium cavalry with composite bows and lances
Arms and Armour
Crusader Forces
- Heavy mail hauberks and coifs
- Long kite shields and steel swords
- Mounted knights wielding lances in frontal charge
- Crossbowmen and spearmen among infantry
- Templar units in standard white surcoats with red crosses
Ayyubid Forces
- Lamellar or scale armour for elite cavalry
- Quilted jackets and light leather for most infantry
- Composite bows as primary ranged weapon
- Scimitars, curved sabres, and lances
- Flexible tactics with feigned retreats and encirclement maneuvers
Archaeology
Montgisard has not yielded the kind of archaeological footprint seen in larger sieges or protracted battles. Its location near modern-day Tzeror (Israel) has limited excavation due to agricultural development. Some Crusader-era pottery and military fittings have been found in the general region, but no definitive artefacts tied directly to the battle have been formally identified.
Timeline of the Battle
Mid-November 1177
Saladin crosses into the Kingdom of Jerusalem with a large force, expecting minimal resistance.
23–24 November
King Baldwin IV leaves Jerusalem and rides south with a small contingent, gathering men at Ascalon.
25 November
- Baldwin confronts Saladin’s army near Montgisard.
- Saladin’s troops, dispersed and overconfident, are caught while marching.
- Baldwin leads a full cavalry charge, supported by infantry and Templar units.
- The surprise and intensity of the attack cause the Ayyubid army to collapse in confusion.
- Saladin narrowly escapes with a small bodyguard, leaving behind much of his army and baggage.
Contemporary Quotes
- “The Lord was with us… never had such a victory been seen by our people.” – William of Tyre
- “It was as if the heavens had turned in favour of the leper king.” – Anonymous Syrian chronicler
- “Saladin fled in shame… his glory bruised by a boy.” – Latin chronicler in Acre
Legacy
The Battle of Montgisard was a psychological and strategic blow to Saladin, who would not again underestimate the resilience of the Crusader kingdoms. For Baldwin IV, it cemented his reputation as a courageous and capable leader despite his leprosy. It also gave the Latin Kingdom a brief respite during a time of internal division and external threat. However, the victory was temporary. Within a decade, Saladin would return with far greater force, culminating in the fall of Jerusalem after the Battle of Hattin in 1187.
Montgisard remains a singular example of how leadership, timing, and sheer defiance can turn the tide in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
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