The Battle of Hattin

The Battle of Hattin
By Darren Bailey LRPS
(Self Portrait)

Reynald's cruelty was well known in the Holy Land. On the 4th of July, 1...
Read more

*The Battle of Hattin*
*By Darren Bailey LRPS*
(Self Portrait)

Reynald's cruelty was well known in the Holy Land. On the 4th of July, 1187 the crusader armies fought their bloodiest battle at Hattin. The army numbered 20,000 infantry and a thousand mounted knights. Assembling this army stretched to the limit the resources of towns along the border, leaving the others unprotected and vulnerable. The battle ended with the virtual annihilation of the crusaders. Most lost their lives, and every survivor was captured. Among the prisoners of war were King Guy himself and the leading commanders of the Christian army

Drawing depicting the Templars' defeat at the Battle of Hattin

According to the Templars' own records, Saladin, the great commander of the Muslim forces, was fair. Despite all the cruelty inflicted on Palestine's Muslim population over the previous 100 years of Christian rule, the defeated forces were not ill-treated.

While most Christians were pardoned, the Templars had been responsible for the savage attacks carried out on the Muslim population, and for this reason, Saladin had the Templars executed, along with the Grand Master of the order and Reynald de Chatillon, both known for their inhumane cruelty.

Art created using a Nikon D90 and a Nikkor 50mm f1.4

*Also used*

Me
A chainmail coif
A templar sword
4 x Manfrotto LED light panels
Fake spray blood
Face full of mud
Read less