Saladin’s troops surrounded the Jerusalem Crusaders, so they were unable to reach the Springs of Kafr Hattin and would lose the battle.
On this day, Muslim armies defeated the Jerusalem Crusaders under the direction of Saladin (Sultan of Egypt). The battle was due to take place in Tiberias, which is present-day Israel. However, Saladin’s army cut off access to water supplies 6 miles (9.7 km) from Tiberias, making the Jerusalem Crusaders thirsty. Saladin’s army also tormented the crusaders by lighting the surrounding grass to dry their throats further and weaken them for battle.