The Siege of Jerusalem in 1187 was a defining moment in the Crusades. Saladin’s victory over the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem not only reclaimed the holy city for Islam but also reshaped the balance of power in the Levant. The fall of Jerusalem reverberated throughout Europe and sparked the Third Crusade.
Background
Following his victory at the Battle of Hattin in July 1187, Saladin pressed his advantage. Much of the Kingdom of Jerusalem collapsed, with key strongholds such as Acre, Nablus and Jaffa falling rapidly. By late September, only Jerusalem itself remained. The city was under the leadership of Balian of Ibelin, who had been allowed into Jerusalem to rescue his family but instead assumed command of its defence.
Forces
Muslim Army (Saladin)
- Estimated strength: 20,000–30,000
- Predominantly cavalry supported by infantry contingents
- Well supplied after a season of victories
Crusader Garrison (Balian of Ibelin)
- Estimated strength: 2,000–3,000 fighting men
- Included knights, infantry, pilgrims and civilians pressed into service
- Severely short on provisions and siege equipment
| Side | Leader | Estimated Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayyubid | Saladin | 20,000–30,000 | Experienced, well organised |
| Crusaders | Balian of Ibelin | 2,000–3,000 | Mostly non-combatants forced to fight |
Leaders and Troop Composition
Muslim forces under Saladin
- Elite mamluk cavalry
- Kurdish and Turcoman horse archers
- Syrian infantry with spears, bows, and axes
- Engineers and sappers equipped with mangonels and ladders
Crusader defenders under Balian of Ibelin
- Remaining knights of the Temple and Hospitallers
- Militia drawn from Jerusalem’s citizens
- Pilgrims armed with improvised weapons
- Women and children contributing to wall defences
Arms and Armour
Ayyubid Forces
- Swords: Curved sabres, scimitars, and early types of the Kilij
- Armour: Lamellar, mail hauberks, scale armour, and leather shields
- Missile Weapons: Composite bows, javelins
- Siege Engines: Mangonels and trebuchets for bombardment
Crusader Defenders
- Swords: Arming swords, falchions, and longswords
- Armour: Mail hauberks, padded gambesons, conical helmets with nasal guards
- Shields: Kite and heater shields painted with crosses or heraldry
- Missile Weapons: Crossbows and long spears for defence at the walls
Archaeology
Archaeological studies of Jerusalem’s fortifications reveal layers of rebuilding around the period. The walls besieged by Saladin were originally strengthened by the Fatimids and later repaired by the Crusaders. Excavations near the Damascus Gate and Zion Gate show evidence of hastily constructed towers and patched masonry, consistent with the desperate defensive measures taken by Balian’s garrison in 1187.
Fragments of arrowheads and catapult stones discovered in the Old City are often attributed to Saladin’s siege. These finds highlight the intensity of the bombardment and the scale of damage inflicted.
Battle Timeline
- 20 September 1187: Saladin arrives before Jerusalem and surrounds the city.
- 21–26 September: Initial assaults against the northern walls are repelled.
- 27 September: Siege engines and sappers begin undermining the defences.
- 29 September: A major breach is created near the Damascus Gate.
- 30 September: Balian negotiates with Saladin to avoid massacre. Terms of surrender agreed.
- 2 October 1187: Jerusalem formally surrendered. Muslim forces enter the city peacefully, with ransoms demanded for inhabitants. Many poor Christians are freed at Saladin’s expense.
Contemporary Quotes
Ibn al-Athir (Muslim chronicler):
“The Muslims entered the city and purified it from the filth of the Franks. The people gave praise to God for this victory after long years of waiting.”
Ernoul (Crusader chronicler):
“Balian, seeing that the city could not be held, sought mercy. And Saladin granted it, for he was a man of great honour, though our people departed with heavy hearts.”
Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani (Saladin’s secretary):
“The Holy City was restored to Islam and the banners of faith raised over its walls, the cross cast down from its pinnacle.”
Legacy
The fall of Jerusalem in 1187 sent shockwaves through Christendom. Pope Gregory VIII issued the bull Audita Tremendi, calling for the Third Crusade. Kings Richard I of England, Philip II of France, and Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire all took the cross in response.
For Saladin, the capture of Jerusalem cemented his reputation as both a warrior and a statesman, remembered not only for military triumph but also for showing clemency to the city’s population.
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