Key Facts
- Date
- 12 August 1099
- Crusader force size
- 10,200 troops
- Fatimid force size
- 20,000 troops
- Estimated Fatimid dead
- 12,700 killed
- Battle duration
- Less than one hour
- Distance from Jerusalem
- 77 km (48 mi)
Strategic Narrative Overview
The Crusader army of roughly 10,200 men marched south barefoot, carrying the True Cross and accompanied by Patriarch Arnulf of Chocques. On 11 August they captured Egyptian spies near Ascalon who revealed enemy positions. At dawn on 12 August the Crusaders launched a surprise assault on the Fatimid camp, catching most of the army asleep. The disorganized Fatimid infantry was routed quickly, and the cavalry played little part; the vizier's standard and personal baggage were seized.
01 / The Origins
Following the fall of Jerusalem on 15 July 1099, the newly established Crusader state faced an immediate military threat. The Fatimid vizier al-Afdal Shahanshah marched a 20,000-strong Egyptian army toward Palestine to retake the holy city. Learning of the approaching force in early August, Crusader leaders under Godfrey of Bouillon chose to intercept the Fatimids rather than wait behind Jerusalem's walls, departing on 10 August.
03 / The Outcome
The battle ended within an hour in complete Crusader victory. Al-Afdal fled by ship to Egypt. Survivors were killed or surrendered and were massacred. Godfrey failed to capitalize by taking Ascalon itself, as its garrison would surrender only to Raymond of Toulouse—a condition Godfrey rejected. The city remained a Fatimid stronghold threatening the Kingdom of Jerusalem until its eventual siege and capture in 1153.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Godfrey of Bouillon, Arnulf of Chocques, Raymond of Toulouse.
Side B
1 belligerent
Al-Afdal Shahanshah.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.