A march along the coast
On 7 September 1191, Richard I’s crusading army defeated Saladin’s forces near Arsuf during the Third Crusade. Templars and Hospitallers served within the wider coalition.
Holding together under attack
The crusaders advanced along the Mediterranean coast while enduring repeated attacks. Maintaining cohesion between infantry and mounted troops was central to their ability to withstand the pressure.
The charge
A Hospitaller charge helped trigger the larger cavalry action. Richard committed his forces, and the counterattack drove Saladin’s army back. The battle illustrates the importance of coordination as well as the difficulty of controlling an army under sustained attack.
A victory with limits
Arsuf strengthened the crusaders’ position on the coast. It did not restore Jerusalem to their control. A battlefield success and the ultimate goal of a campaign are different measures of achievement.
Sources & further reading
Historical summaries are original editorial introductions. Follow the sources to explore the evidence and differing interpretations.