The Siege of Acre began in March 1799 as Napoleon Bonaparte aimed to capture the pivotal Ottoman city during his campaign in Egypt. The strategic location of Acre, on the Mediterranean coast, was essential for controlling trade routes and bolstering French influence in the region. Despite initial successes, the siege proved to be a formidable challenge for Bonaparte and his army. Defenders, strengthened by local fighters and additional Turkish reinforcements, mounted a tenacious defense, inflicting significant casualties on the French forces. The French also faced difficulties including insufficient supply lines, harsh weather, and the rapid spread of disease, which decimated their ranks and morale.

By the time Napoleon made the decision to abandon the siege, he had sustained heavy losses. After two months of intense fighting and failed assaults, the French were unable to breach the city's fortifications. The retreat from Acre culminated in a significant shift in the campaign dynamics, diminishing French prestige and control in the region. This defeat marked one of the first major setbacks for Bonaparte, who had until then enjoyed a string of successful military engagements, signalling the eventual complications of his campaign in Egypt.