Horns of Hittim Qarne Hittim
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10km/6mi west of Tiberias is a hill of moderate height which as a result of the collapse of its crater has taken on the characteristic form reflected in its name, the Horns of Hittim (Hebrew Qarne Hittim). This was the scene of a decisive battle during the Crusader period. It is a half-hour walk to the top of the hill on a footpath running up from the main road. From the summit, on which there are Bronze Age remains, there are fine views of Eastern Galilee and the Sea of Galilee.
History
On July fourth 1187 Saladin inflicted an annihilating defeat on the Crusaders at the Horns of Hittim. The Latin kingdom of Jerusalem founded 88 years before now lost its capital, Jerusalem, and much of its territory; and for the remaining 104 years of its existence it was confined to a narrow coastal strip with its capital at Acre (Akko).
Saladin, a Kurd who had ruled Egypt since 1171 and in 1174 had incorporated Syria in his domains, crossed the Jordan in 1187 with a great army and set up camp near Tiberias, hoping to draw the crusading army into battle.
History
On July fourth 1187 Saladin inflicted an annihilating defeat on the Crusaders at the Horns of Hittim. The Latin kingdom of Jerusalem founded 88 years before now lost its capital, Jerusalem, and much of its territory; and for the remaining 104 years of its existence it was confined to a narrow coastal strip with its capital at Acre (Akko).
Saladin, a Kurd who had ruled Egypt since 1171 and in 1174 had incorporated Syria in his domains, crossed the Jordan in 1187 with a great army and set up camp near Tiberias, hoping to draw the crusading army into battle.
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