The Battle of Hittin, from a Medieval Manuscript
Excerpt from Chapter XIII: “…The highway from Acre led over the plain, and not a single spring or stream of any size existed between the camps. It was the hottest season of the year, and a long march for infantry divided the hosts of Christendom and Islam. From the peak of Hittin, the watchman looked towards the west over a sunburnt plain, with long grey ridges dotted with bush to north and south. Behind him lay the Lake of Galilee, seventeen hundred feet below, shut in with precipices mirrored in its shining waters, with Hermon on the north, rising snow-streaked over the valley of the Upper Jordan… …Defeat in such a position meant disaster to the Moslem forces, hurled down the slopes and driven into the lake; but in order to attack, the Christian army must cross the waterless plain, and after a long march would find the enemy covering all the springs and streams that flow into the lake…”
Click Here to start at the beginning of this book OR Jump to the Table of Contents OR Jump to the Tables of Illustrations
Map – Syria & Palestine, to Illustrate Saladin’s Campaigns 1187 – 1193:
Map – Tiberias to Acre:
Map: Tiberias to Acre
Illustration – Seal of Reginald of Chatillon:
Illustration: Seal of Reginald of Chatillon
Aisha's Oasis 
I just wish I had more time today to read, Aisha.. wishing you a wonderful day.. And let us pray and hope the Battles will end one day soon… xxx
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Doesn’t it just seem like the same story with no ending, Sue? That’s the big message I get from this story, we are still fighting the same war, and for what? It’s too bad religion takes the blame for political land grabbing! Thanks so much for stopping by, Dear Friend! Reading is definitely a luxury in the summer, isn’t it?! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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Aisha, I read through some of Chapter XIII and was really able to see why you shared this one. It tells us that we must bring peace not war and that He is watching over us… I do hope war will one day not be an issue and that love will reign supreme! Sending you a hug for you day xx
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Thanks so much, Christy, amen! I love this book for so many reasons, first it tells the truth about the Crusades in a very impartial way – very refreshing! Also, the sad truth of history repeating is another good reason to read this, as you point out! Hugs to you too, dear! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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That’s good when you find a refreshing perspective, isn’t it?! I’m stopping by to invite you to come along on the writing process blog tour 🙂 Here is the link to find out more: http://poeticparfait.com/2014/07/05/writing-process-blog-tour-with-christy-birmingham/
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Fun! I’m coming over right now, Christy, thanks for the invitation! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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I get lost reading things like this. It’s the trouble I always had with history. The battles, wars and politics seemed too distant from me. It wasn’t until I could study history as it pertained to the daily lives of citizens (usually women) that history made any sense. And even then, I’m pretty selective about which parts hold my attention.
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I totally understand, if I hadnt fallen in love with Achilles I would be exactly the same way, but fate had other plans and the Iliad ruled my pre-muslim life. Now I transferred my membership to the fan club of Saladin, and here I am, enthralled once again! Btw, Cleopatra has a pretty fascinating history, too! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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a most interesting history!! – and Yes dear Cleo!!!!
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Lol, I’m a sucker for Cleo, too! Sometimes history is so much fun, and she’s a perfect example of that truth, isn’t she?! Thanks for visiting me here, Cybele! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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Dear Aisha ! I very quickly went through all these historical events you have provided in your post and I wish I had the time to read or rather to study them.Anyway,I am certain sure that you have some nice points for discussion which I might go through some other time.For now,you have my love as always and tons of kisses ,Doda 🙂
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Thank you so much for your friendship, dear Doda! I’m very understanding, it’s so hard to find time to read, especially in the beautiful summer, oh especially the beautiful summer in Greece, I remember so well the scent of pine mixing with the heat waves coming off the hills with a breexe through the trees and the buzzing sound of the cicadas all around me as I sat in the shade overlooking the mediterranean sea from high up on the mountain top of the island Aegina, with the temple of Aphaia also in my view… it was incredible, no tourists, just the sight and sounds of Greece… ahhhh who can forget such a great summer vacation?!! I forget where I am and think I’m there right now!!! Please enjoy your holiday, dear Doda, and I will enjoy it through you! Take a few photos and blow a few kisses to the Greek breeze for me! ♥♥♥ (((((lots of hugs and kisses!))))) ;^))))
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I agree religion takes the strongest beating. And I respect yours tremendously. I come from a background where they taught me that Palestine has gone through tremendous injustice, and it’s just not fair. Islam should be respected and be given back all the lands that belonged to them. What shame that it turned out this way.
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Wow, Maria, what a beautiful and compassionate soul you are, I am really blessed to know you! Wouldnt it be wonderful if more people could see the truth and just forget all their prejudices for a nice change? Thanks so much for visiting me and for your beautiful comment, dear Maria! ♥♥♥ ;^)
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History repeats itself…the ego becomes the leader and souls which melt as slaves…
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Yes, so true, unfortunately, Zara, what a perceptive comment! ♥♥♥ ;^) ps I’ll be posting our poem in the next day or two!
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Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
Your article is very well done, a good read.
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