The Crusaders and the Battle of the Horns of Hittin

On our way, on February 8, from Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee to the Misgav region, we passed the site of a major battle during the Crusades. In 1187, the Christian knights were defeated by Saladin, in a battle which marked a major turning point in the fortunes of the Crusaders.

The battle occurred at the hill shown in the photo above. As described to us by our guide, during the battle Saladin's forces set fire to the fields. The Crusaders, with their heavy armour, could not run away fast enough, and many were burned to death. Others threw off their armour and ran to escape.