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Crusader Advance on Jerusalem

Type Event Region West Asia Time c. 1191

Nov–Dec 1191: Richard I marched from Jaffa to Beit Nubaa and sighted Jerusalem, but withdrew without besieging it, failing the Third Crusade's goal y…

Timeline

  1. c. 1191Jaffa to Ramla · LevantThe Crusaders set out from Jaffa inland toward Jerusalem, passing through Ramla and other key points. Saladin employed scorched-earth and harassment tactics, avoiding open-field battle to delay the Crusader advance.
  2. c. 1191Beit Nubaa · Jerusalem regionThe Crusaders advanced to Beit Nubaa, where troops could already see Jerusalem. Saladin cleared the countryside; Crusader supply lines stretched and winter approached, and the alliance was deeply divided over whether to besiege the city.
  3. c. 1191Beit Nubaa to Jaffa · LevantAfter weighing logistics, weather, and allied opinion, Richard decided not to besiege Jerusalem and withdrew the troops to Jaffa and the coastal defenses. Though the Holy City was not recovered, the advance improved Crusader bargaining position and forced the Ayyubid side to open peace talks.

Sources