Session 21|From Saladin to Baybars – Drawing the Crusades “Back to the Ocean”
#84-86
#84. Introduction
This lecture concentrates upon the 12th and 13th centuries CE in Palestine. It was a time wherein the Crusaders experienced heavy losses against unified Islamic forces (see Map). The attached reading will deal with the most definitive battle of these two hundred years, the Battle of Hattin, and will continue the discussion on the role of Jihad during the leadership of Saladin and Baybars.
#85. Battle of Hattin
The Battle of Hattin was a major turning point in the history of the Crusades. It took place in a valley near the town of Tiberias in the summer of 1187. Provided below are two reports on the battle: the first by a Christian author and the second by Ibn al-Athir (an Arab historian living during the days of Saladin). Note the similarities and dissimilarities in the two narratives.
Question
What strategies of warfare did Saladin undertake in order to insure victory? List them in chronological order. According to the first account, what could the Christian forces have done differently in order to beat Saladin? In your opinion, would that have made a difference? Explain the reasons behind your answer.
#86. Carole Hillenbrand
The next reading is a continuation of C. Hillenbrand’s treatment of Jihad during the time of the Crusades. Be mindful of the strategies utilized by Saladin in shaping a unified Islamic army. Also, closely read the primary sources relating to the reign of Baybars, who will be discussed in the next lecture.