Siege of Jerusalem
1099 · Jerusalem · World · Medieval
The crusaders closed in on the walls with siege towers and broke into the city on July 15.
Belligerents
First Crusade
- Commanders
- Godfrey of Bouillon, Raymond of Toulouse
- Strength
- About 12,000-15,000 Crusaders
Fatimid Caliphate
- Commanders
- Iftikhar al-Dawla
- Strength
- Several thousand defenders
Background
Urban II called for a crusade; after Antioch the crusaders reached the Holy City and launched an assault despite shortages of water and siege equipment.
Course of the battle
- Reach the wallsThe crusaders crossed Lebanon and advanced south along the coast, closing in on Jerusalem.
- Build siege enginesThey cut timber on the spot and hurriedly built siege towers and scaling ladders.
- City fallsThe siege tower on the northern section reached the wall, and Godfrey's troops were the first to break in.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1099 |
|---|---|
| Place | Jerusalem |
| Result | The crusaders closed in on the walls with siege towers and broke into the city on July 15. |
| Winner | First Crusade |
| Casualties | After the city fell, its defenders and inhabitants were massacred on a large scale. |
| Territorial change | The crusaders took the Holy City and founded the Kingdom of Jerusalem. |
Impact
The climax of the First Crusade, it established the Latin states of the East for nearly two centuries.
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