The Crusaders' Lost Fort: Battle at Jacob's Ford

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• 1. The Battle at Jacob's Ford
• 2. The struggle for power
• 3. Development of Jacob's Ford
• 4. Saladin's response
• 5. Saladin's tactics
• 6. Archaeological evidence
• 7. 1179 - the turning point
• 8. Find out more
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1179 - the turning point

The year 1179 proved to be a turning point in the struggle between Baldwin IV and Saladin. With the loss of Jacob's Ford, Baldwin's plan to stem the rising tide of Islamic Jihad foundered.

'With the kingdom of Jerusalem destabilised and his hold over Damascus secured, Saladin flourished'

Between his victory at Mont Gisard and the fortification of Jacob's Ford, the young king had seized the initiative, garnering an aura of legitimacy and daring. But, with the advent of the 1180s, Baldwin's fortunes waned. Increasingly debilitated by leprosy, his reign now stained by bitter defeat, Baldwin's grasp on the throne faltered. He died in 1185, aged just 23, his hopes of defending the Holy Land in tatters.

In contrast, with the kingdom of Jerusalem destabilised and his hold over Damascus secured, Saladin flourished, uniting the Muslim world between the Nile and the Euphrates and encircling and isolating the Crusader kingdom.

In 1187, he met one of Baldwin's successors in pitched battle, crushed the Latin army and went on to recapture Jerusalem for Islam. The Holy City was to remain in Muslim hands until the 20th century.

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Published: 2006-01-12