Horns of Hittim

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Horns of Hittim Description

(Local Name: Qarne Hittim) District: Northern

Altitude: 326m/1,070ft

Situation and characteristics

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

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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. The Crusaders had assembled on July second 1187 at Sepphoris (see Zippori), 6km/4mi northwest of Nazareth, where they had sufficient water for themselves and their horses. In a council of war held there the Grand Master of the Temple, Gerard of Ridfort, and Reynald of Ch[a-circum]tillon, an adventurer, who favored an immediate attack, prevailed over the more level-headed majority, and under their influence King Guy of Lusignan ordered the heavily armored army to advance in the fierce heat through waterless country towards Hittim, 20km/12.5mi away as the crow flies. Arriving there, tormented by thirst, they found that the spring had dried up; and to make matters worse the Muslims had set fire to the withered undergrowth. The next morning the Crusaders launched their attack. The knights fought with the courage of despair, and some of them succeeded in breaking through to Tripoli. The bishop of Acre, who had carried the True Cross into the battle, was killed, and the precious relic was lost. Most of the Crusaders, including the king, were taken prisoner. Saladin offered King Guy water, but struck Reynald of Ch[a-circum]tillon's head off, after reproaching him for his countless misdeeds, including his attacks on caravans during a truce and the robbing of pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The Knights Hospitallers and the Templars were killed by the fanatical Sufis, the secular barons were held captive and the common soldiers were taken to be sold in the slave market in Damascus, where as a result of this over-supply prices fell sharply. The Horns of Hittim are thus a reminder of a futile military enterprise which had fateful consequences for those who initiated it. After his victory Saladin went on to take Jerusalem and Acre, though Acre was recaptured by the Christians four years later and remained in their hands for another hundred years.

Hobbies & Activities category: Historic site