Saladin's Conquest: Jerusalem 1187

In 1187, after nearly nine decades of Crusader rule, Jerusalem fell to the forces of Saladin. This episode explores the dramatic siege that followed the Battle of Hattin, the negotiated surrender led by Balian of Ibelin, and Saladin's surprisingly merciful treatment of the city's inhabitants — a stark contrast to the 1099 massacre. We discuss the timing of the conquest on the anniversary of the Prophet's Night Journey, the restoration of the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, and the expulsion of the Latin clergy while Eastern Christians remained. The episode also examines how Saladin's victory reshaped the religious landscape, setting precedents that would echo through the centuries, and how the Third Crusade failed to retake the city. A pivotal moment in Jerusalem's history, revealing both the brutality and mercy of medieval warfare.

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