Crusaders Win Ascalon: Holy Land Conquest Complete
Crusader forces under Godfrey of Bouillon crushed a Fatimid Egyptian army at Ascalon on August 12, 1099, just one month after seizing Jerusalem. The Fatimids had dispatched 20,000 troops to reclaim the holy city, but the Crusaders struck first, attacking the Egyptian camp at dawn and routing the army before it could form battle lines. The victory secured the Kingdom of Jerusalem's southern flank and eliminated the immediate threat of Egyptian reconquest. Godfrey, who had refused the title of King of Jerusalem, choosing instead to be called "Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre," died the following year. His brother Baldwin had no such modesty and took the crown, founding a dynasty that held Jerusalem until Saladin recaptured it in 1187.
August 12, 1099
927 years ago
Key Figures & Places
First Crusade
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Godfrey of Bouillon
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Battle of Ascalon
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Fatimid
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Al-Afdal Shahanshah
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Fatimid
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First Crusade
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Battle of Ascalon
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Godfrey of Bouillon
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Fatimid Caliphate
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Al-Afdal Shahanshah
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Fatimides
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Ashkelon
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