Battle of Ascalon

Timeline

1. 1099Ascalon · PalestineAfter the fall of Jerusalem, Fatimid vizier al-Afdal led an army of about twenty thousand north from Egypt, assembling at Ascalon to retake the holy city. Learning of the relief force's movements, the crusader leaders decided to strike first.
2. 1099outside Ascalon · PalestineGodfrey of Bouillon, Raymond IV, and others led roughly twelve thousand crusaders south from Jerusalem, encountering the Fatimid army outside Ascalon. Coordinated cavalry charges and infantry action routed the enemy, capturing vast spoils; the Fatimid forces fled back to Egypt.
3. 1099Jerusalem · PalestineThe victory consolidated the crusader occupation of Jerusalem, but the leaders disagreed over whether to immediately seize the city of Ascalon itself, and the coastal fortress was not taken. The battle bought precious time for the establishment of the crusader states in the East.