The Battle of Hattin represents a significant turning point in the history of the Crusades, fought on the 4th of July in 1187. Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, aimed to reclaim the territories held by the Crusaders, particularly Jerusalem. Guy of Lusignan, leading the Christian forces, was tasked with defending the city. Saladin's forces were strategically positioned on the hills near Hattin, capitalizing on the dry summer conditions that greatly impacted the Crusaders. Saladin’s troops, more numerically prepared and strategically superior, disrupted the Crusaders’ supply lines, forcing them into a desperate retreat.The clash began with a series of tactical skirmishes that deteriorated into a full-scale battle. The Crusaders, suffering from thirst and lack of reinforcements, were encircled by Saladin’s well-coordinated forces. Most notably, the capture of the True Cross, a significant relic for the Crusaders, demoralized them further. By the end of the day, Guy of Lusignan and many other leaders were taken captive, while thousands of his soldiers were killed or captured. The defeat paved the way for Saladin’s subsequent march on Jerusalem, leading to its capture in the following months and a transformation in the balance of power in the Holy Land during the Crusades.