Battle of Arsuf

Timeline

1. c. 1191Coast from Acre to Arsuf · LevantThe crusaders marched south from Acre along the coast while Saladin's cavalry and archers constantly harassed their flanks; the crusaders maintained a tight formation with protected wings, gradually advancing south to the Arsuf line.
2. 1191Arsuf · IsraelSaladin attacked the crusader flanks and rear with multiple cavalry columns; Richard initially held back, then ordered the Hospitaller knights to counterattack, followed by a general cavalry charge that broke the Ayyubid main force and forced it to withdraw.
3. 1191South of Arsuf · LevantAfter a limited pursuit the crusaders consolidated their position, and the Ayyubid army could not mount another interception of comparable scale. The battle opened the way for further southward advance, while Saladin shifted to a combined strategy of mobile harassment and negotiation.