The Crusaders had conquered
many areas in Syria and Lebanon. Their next target
was Jerusalem. They had 1,300 knights. 12,000 foot soldiers were
also part of the army. Jerusalem was ready too. Fatimid Governor Iftikhar al-Dawlah
was waiting for the enemy. He had 5,000 troops. His army was lesser in number . Yet the city's formidable defences
made up for the lack of troops. 5,000 troops were
enough for the defence. look at the city. It had a strong wall. It was 4 km long. Protective wall. It was 50-feet high. And 10-feet wide. Archers were stationed
all along the wall. The wall was surrounded
by a moat. The Fatimid also
had 14 catapults. Incendiary chemicals
were also stocked. There were water
wells outside the city. But the Fatimids had
poisoned them. There was a small
pond outside the city. It was also within the
range of the Fatimid archers. It was problematic... ... for the Crusaders
to besiege the city, It was the
month of June. Intense heat and thirst
would break their will soon. Whereas, compared
to the Crusaders. The city had enough
water for its usage. Underground fresh-water
springs were available. There was no
water shortage. So, did the Crusaders
besiege Jerusalem? Did they win such
a difficult battle? I am Faisal Warraich. You are watching the new
series by Dekho Suno Jano. It is the 2nd episode of
"The Crusades and Ayyubi." You will watch all this. On June 3, 1099, the Crusaders
reached Ramallah. 50 km from Jerusalem. It was the last Muslim
defence before Jerusalem. It was very important for
the Crusaders to capture it. They feared that they would
face stiff resistance in this city. But the opposite happened. As the crusaders arrived
in front of the city. They were surprised to find
the gates open and the city empty. The inhabitants of
Ramallah were not there. They had fled. The Crusaders captured
the city without resistance. They also got hold of a huge
store of wheat from Ramallah. On June 6, They
moved to Jerusalem. Another success awaited them. They were only 16 km
away from the city. A delegation of
Christians met them. They were locals. They had come from Bethlehem, Bethlehem is another
holy place of Christians They believe Jesus
was born in the city. A church
is built here. The Church of the Nativity The delegation had
come with a request. They asked the Crusaders to
liberate their city from
the Muslims. The Crusaders agreed. They sent a force with them. Bethlehem was captured
without resistance. No Muslim soldiers
was in the city. The city's population
was Christian. They welcomed the Crusaders. The Crusaders arrived in
front of the Church of Nativity They celebrated their victory. After Bethlehem... The force returned
to the main army. The Crusaders resumed
their march toward Jerusalem. By this time, all the area
around Jerusalem... ... was under the control
of the Crusaders. Jerusalem was now like
an island in between. On June 7, the city walls
were visible to the Crusaders. The Crusaders got emotional. Many soldiers cried. This city was the
most sacred for them. For that, they had travelled thousands of kilometres from Europe. They were eager to
capture this city. But Jerusalem was
not an easy target. The Fatimids were ready. So, for the Crusaders... ... this city posed a
formidable challenge. What did the crusaders
do then? On June 7, they besieged the city. They besieged it from its
southern and northern sides. But as expected
by Iftikhar-ud-Daula... ... they suffered
from water shortage. Only a small pond
had fresh water. But there were
many problems. The pond was attached
to an underground spring. It would fill in 3 days. The site was within
range of the Fatimid archers. But the Crusaders
were desperate. They went to the
pond after 3 days. The archers targeted them. The pond crowded
with the Crusaders. Some were killed. Some raised shields
and moved forward. Many fights broke out for the water. Several animals also
drowned in the water. It was a nightmare. Soon the pond was
full of animal carcasses. And the Crusaders
lost the pond. The Crusaders searched
for water elsewhere. They found another
water source. It was 10 km away
from their camp. But the water was
dirty and smelly. The crusaders
were in trouble. They had to bring
that dirty water. They drank it with
barley bread. They had to drink the
water with great care because it contained leeches. Blood-sucking leeches. Many accidentally
swallowed leeches. They died a painful death. The Fatimids soon discovered
this water source too. They ambushed the Crusaders there. They hid in the surrounding
trees and bushes. They would kill the
crusaders and escape. On June 13, the
Crusaders attacked. They attacked the fort from
northern and southern sides. They tried to climb the
walls through ladders. Legend has it that the Crusaders
were guided by an unseen entity. They were told to continue
the attack for a full day. Then they would be victorious. The Crusaders attacked vigorously. They tried to climb the wall. However, the Fatimid
archers pushed them back. The Fatimids had
an advantage. They fought with
swords in both hands. The Crusaders had a shield in
one hand and a sword in the other. So the Fatimids had
this advantage. Their strike power
was doubled. This was the fate
of the 1st attack. Though they had prophecy. Yet they failed. They returned to their camps. They were shocked. Godfrey of Bouillon held a
meeting with the other leaders. They agreed upon a strategy. They decided to wait. And build siege
weapons first. They wouldn't
attack until then. In the 11th century, there
were many siege weapons. Catapults were not
the only weapons. 2 other weapons
were also famous. 1st: Battering Ram
2nd: Siege Tower. Ram was sometimes
a long Tree trunk. It was tipped with
iron or any other metal. It was installed with wheels. Then soldiers would
push the ram. The ram would strike
and break fort gates or walls. Siege tower was a
large wooden tower. It had different stories. Each storey contained soldiers. The tower would be as
high as the wall of the fort. It was moved on
wooden wheels. When it approached
the fort wall... ... a part would open like a door... ... and rest on the fort wall. Thus a bridge was made. The soldiers would move then. They would cross the
bridge and enter the fort. Crusaders needed timber
to build rams and siege towers. The local Christians helped them. These people told the
Crusaders about places... ... where there were
lots of trees. So the crusaders brought a
large amount of wood from there. They started executing
their plan. Thousands of crusaders worked
hard and made those weapons. They developed a large ram It was tipped with iron. 2 large siege towers
were also built. They were 3-stories high. Aa few catapults and
ladders were also built. They also worked on the moat. They filled it with stones. So to cross it easily. They also received another
important news. 6 Genoa ships with food
had come to their aid. They were docked at Jaffa,
66 KMs from Jerusalem. The Crusaders sent
some troops to Jaffa. To bring food and water. The soldiers clashed with
a Fatimid force, on the way. But they reached Jaffa safely. The sailors of Genoa
welcomed the crusaders. They celebrated
the whole night. They didn't anticipate any
danger from the sea. The celebration
ended in the morning. They were in danger. A Fatimid fleet had
surrounded their ships. They were preparing
to attack the city. The crusaders and sailors fled. The Fatimids captured their ships. And returned to Egypt. However, the crusaders took
some food with them while fleeing. And they returned to Jerusalem
with the food and gave it to
their soldiers. But they had another problem. The Muslim Fatimid army was
united under Iftikhar al-Dawlah. But the Crusaders had
many differences. The 1st difference
was over the city. Who would rule Jerusalem. Once it was occupied. Every prince wanted to become king. No one tolerated the
claims of the others. This issue was discussed
in every meeting. Everyone was naming himself
or his candidate as the king. But the priests had a different view. They claimed that Jerusalem
was the city of God. So no human could rule it. The city would be governed by the Church. Because it represented
God on earth. Military command was
also another source of problem. The northern and southern forces had their own commanders. The northern side had one commander. Godfrey of Bouillon. While the Crusaders on the southern
side obeyed Raymond. However, Godfrey's group
was stronger. Even the forces of the
southern side defected to him. Many soldiers joined Godfrey. Raymond was worried. He paid hi soldiers
to stay loyal to him. To keep them with him. He even paid his soldiers to fill the moat. The moat around the city wall. Both Crusader armies wanted the credit... ... to capture the city... ... and enter it first. So Godfrey was making
siege tower and ram. While Raymond was filling
the moat with stones to cross it. The Fatimids were also alert. They had deployed most of
their army on the southern side. To face Raymond's force. Because the wall was
weak on that side. Their catapults rained
stones on Raymond's force. Even filling the moat was a challenge. The Crusaders suffered
casualties at the hands of
the archers. The northern side was
also well protected. The Fatimids had
less troops there. Yet they were ready. They had a strategy to
counter the ram and catapults. sacks filled with hay and strong nets were hung along the walls. They were to cushion the walls
against the ram and stones. They were also ready
for the siege tower. They had brought fire material
to counter the siege tower. So, the two sides
were well prepared. Many days passed thus. The month of
July had begun. Only few fights had taken
place during this time. However, psychological warfare was going on. The Crusaders killed Muslim
prisoners in front of the city wall. On the southern side,
a spy was captured. He was catapulted into the moat. The Fatimids also responded
in the same way. They hung several crosses
along the southern wall. Fatimid soldiers used to throw
dirt upon these crosses. However, everything
went on side by side. Psychological warfare, preparations
and the divisions among the crusaders. The priests also continued
their prayer ceremonies. On July the 8th, they
held a procession. Many Crusaders |
participated in it. They walked around the
city barefooted with crosses. They believed God would
help them in the battle. And the city would be conquered. However, these people
were so close to the wall. They were within the
range of the Fatimids. The Fatimids showered
arrows and stones. killing many of the crusaders. The survivors ran away. All this was happening. The Crusaders were finally ready. The hour of the attack arrived. It was the morning of the July 14th. As the sun arose... ... the Crusaders stormed
Jerusalem from both sides. From the north side
came the ram. The 2 siege towers moved
from both sides. The attack had begun. But the Fatimids
were ready too. They showered stones and
arrows on the advancing army . The Crusaders
suffered casualties. They used shields to
stop arrows and stones. And kept advancing. Their target was a
weak part of the wall They wanted to
break it down. The Fatimids noticed this too. They targeted the
ram and the towers. They showered them with
stones and arrows. It is said that they dipped
the stones in oil and fat
and set them on fire. Then these stones
were catapulted. And fell among the enemies. Some stones had
spikes fixed on them. They were specially made
for siege towers. They stuck to the tower. Thus the whole tower
would catch fire. The Fatimids burnt the
siege tower on the southern side. The ram also caught fire. But the damage
was already done. The Crusaders had a success. A small breach had
occurred in the defences. The wall was broken. The Crusaders pushed the
burning ram inside the wall
through the breach. Thus the damage was maximized. It broke more parts of the wall. The ram reached the
main wall behind it. It widened the small breach. In the evening, the battle was stopped. The next day, July 15, the
crusaders attacked the same breach. Godfrey rode the siege tower. The tower was moved
through the breach. It was brought closer
to the main wall. The tower was only a
few feet from the wall. The Fatimids deployed the
best weapon to counter it. This was the Greek Fire. The most dangerous weapon. It was a chemical. It would trigger fire and
even water couldn't extinguish it. The Fatimids fired this chemical
at Godfrey's siege tower. They believed that it would
burn like the previous one. However, the Fatimid
didn't know something. The enemy knew
about their secret weapon. The Fatimid governor, Iftikhar al-Dawlah had made a tactical error. He had expelled most
of the Christian population. These people had helped
the crusaders in finding trees. They also warned the crusaders
about the Greek Fire. They even told them
how to counter it. There was a proper
counter measure. Only vinegar could
extinguish this fire. The Crusaders used this tactic. They filled the tower with
wineskins full of vinegar. As the defenders poured
Greek Fire on the siege tower... The Crusaders extinguished
the fire with vinegar. The weapon was useless now. It was a major setback. The Fatimid soldiers panicked. They repeatedly tried to
burn the siege tower A part of the wall caught fire. Meanwhile, the siege tower
also touched the wall. The soldiers jumped on the wall. Some soldiers climbed the
ladders and entered the city. The Fatimid soldiers fled. The news soon spread
throughout the city. The Fatimid soldiers on
the southern wall also fled. Many soldiers jumped
from the high wall. They died. Now the northern and
southern walls were empty. The crusaders entered
the city from both sides. They began a bloodbath. Then the massacre happened
which humanity is still ashamed of. The Crusaders brutally
massacred the people. Fatimid soldiers and civilians alike. Many people's hands
and feet were cut off. Many were tortured. And then thrown into fire. Children were taken from the women and smashed against the walls. Women were also cut with swords. Some Muslims took refuge in al-Aqsa Mosque. They were hiding under the Dome of the Rock. Some Crusaders took pity on them. And gave them their flag. They promised it
would save them. But then these
Crusaders went away. Others came and
killed the Muslims. The Christians
themselves claim... 10,000 Muslims were
killed just in one place. In Jerusalem. They even killed the Jews
and Christians still living
in the city. How many deaths then? No human rights commission
was there to record the deaths. Nobody knows the exact numbers. A Muslim historian
claimed a huge figure. He claimed that 70,000 Muslims
were killed just in the
al-Aqsa Mosque alone. They included
Imams and scholars. The Crusaders also
plundered the city. It is said that many
Muslims hid their wealth. They swallowed gold
coins before dying. So the enemy
wouldn't find them. But the crusaders split open
the bellies of the the corpses. Some of them really
contained coins. The Crusaders had those
coins in their bloody hands. They gathered in front
of the Holy Sepulcher. The site of Jesus' crucifixion
and resurrection. And started chanting joyfully. A Crusader leader
surpassed them all. He looted the Dome of the Rock. He took away all the gold
and precious stones there. The ownership of the
houses was also decided. The first one to enter a
house would own the house. It was decided. So the Crusaders ran towards houses. They occupied every house in the city. Thus many poor Crusaders
became rich overnight. This looting and massacre
was going on in the city, Fatimid Governor
Iftikhar al-Dawla was hiding. He was hiding in a
tower with his guards. They hid there for a few days. The Crusaders surrounded the tower
but Iftikhar-ud-Daula was not killed. Iftikhar ud Daulah negotiated
with the Crusaders. He assured them of peace. He promised not to
resist the the
Crusader occupation. He was not in the
position to resist anyway. So the terms were concluded. He formally surrendered the city. And left the city safely. From here he went to Egypt with his guards. Now the Crusaders' occupation
was complete. Jerusalem was now
under their control. They installed a cross
on the al-Aqsa Mosque. But even after the
capture of Jerusalem... The First Crusade did not end. There was one last battle. Ashkelon, a Palestinian
fortress outside Egypt's borders, ... ... on the Mediterranean coast, ... ... was still under Fatimid control. Therefore, the crusaders
set out to capture this city. On 12 August 1099, ... ...the last battle between the Crusaders and the Muslims took place. The Crusaders defeated the Fatimids. And captured Ashkelon. The Fatimid army
retreated toward Egypt. With the victory at Ashkelon... ... the First Crusade ended. When the news of this
victory reached Europe... ... people celebrated. But, the man who
had started the crusades... .... was not alive to hear
the news of its success. Yes, Pope Urban II... ... who had preached the
Crusades in Clermont, France... He was dead. On the 15th of July, the crusader
army entered Jerusalem. And about 2 weeks later,
on July 29th, he died. In those days, news
did not spread quickly. Pope Urban II was on his death bed. He could not hear the news. The Crusaders had
accomplished their mission. The cross had been
installed on al-Aqsa Mosque. The Muslims had not considered
the Crusaders a big threat for them. They suddenly woke up. It was time to respond
to the Crusades. The Muslims also got ready
for Jihad against Crusades. But the first person who
came out to fight the Crusaders... ... was not Saladin Ayyubi. So who was he? How did he fight against
the powerful army of the Crusaders? We will show you all this. In the next episode of
The Crusades and Ayyubi. If you haven't watch the
1st episode of this series. Click here. Here is the thrilling story of the
battle between Alexander and Porus And here is the full
story of World War II.
