Hattin, Battle of

Hattin, Battle of (hättēn') [key], battle on July 4, 1187, in N Palestine, where Saladin's Muslim forces defeated the Christian armies of Guy de Lusignan. When Saladin attacked Tiberias in July, 1187, Christian forces attempted to aid the besieged city but were roadblocked; they waited on a plateau near the town of Hattin. The Muslims quickly surrounded the camp, cutting off their enemies' water supply and then attacking. The majority of Christian soldiers were killed; King Guy, however, was spared.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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