Crusaders Driven from Acre Stronghold
May 18th, 1291
May 18th, 1291
How Long Ago?
733 years, 9 months, 25 days ago
Location
Acre, Israel
Category
Military & Warfare
People
- Jacques de Molay
- Sultan Al-Ashraf Khalil
Links & References
Tags
Crusaders Driven from Acre Stronghold
In a decisive assault, the Mamluks captured Acre, the last significant Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land. This marked the conclusion of nearly two centuries of intermittent Christian rule in the region. The siege lasted for several months and ended with fierce fighting, resulting in widespread devastation. The fall of Acre signified not only a military defeat for the Crusaders but also the end of their influence in the Levant, as the Mamluk Sultanate solidified its control over the area.
Acre was the last Crusader stronghold.
Sultan Al-Ashraf Khalil led the Mamluk siege.
The fall ended two centuries of Crusader rule.
Many defenders were killed or enslaved.
What Happened?
Acre was one of the last fortifications held by the Crusaders in the Holy Land, serving as a vital port city and a center for Christian military operations since the First Crusade. By the late 13th century, the balance of power had shifted dramatically in the region, with the Mamluk Sultanate expanding its territory and dominance. The siege of Acre began in 1291 when Sultan Al-Ashraf Khalil launched a comprehensive campaign against the city. The Mamluks relied on superior numbers and tactics, steadily undermining the Crusader defenses over several months. The situation for the defenders became increasingly dire as reinforcements and supplies dwindled, and morale plummeted. The final assault occurred in mid-May, leading to intense hand-to-hand combat and significant casualties on both sides. The Mamluks breached the walls, ultimately capturing the city. The aftermath saw many of the surviving Crusaders either killed or enslaved, and the city was heavily looted and destroyed.
Why Does it Matter?
The fall of Acre had profound implications for the geopolitics of the Mediterranean and the broader Christian-Muslim interactions. It marked the end of the Crusader presence in the Holy Land, effectively concluding nearly two centuries of attempts by European Christians to establish and maintain territories in the region. The loss also led to a reorganization of Christian efforts in the area and a pivot towards other regions for military and religious endeavors, particularly the establishment of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller on the island of Rhodes.
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