The Siege of Acre, 1189–1191

While, and perhaps because, a wealth of scholarship exists on the legendary figures of Saladin and Richard the Lionheart, we still lack a comprehensive study of the Third Crusade; as such, the expedition remains an area ripe for further research. John Hosler’s book, the first monograph devoted solely to the siege of Acre, is thus a welcome addition to the historiography. In this military critique of the siege, based on a comparative reading of the western and eastern sources, as well as an appreciation of the archaeological evidence, Hosler identifies and analyses the full range of military operations, both land- and sea-based, prosecuted at Acre between 1189 and 1191: eight formal battles, twelve assaults on the city walls, sixteen sorties, ten naval engagements and numerous skirmishes. The book is structured chronologically. Hosler first provides the necessary contextual backdrop (ch. 1), before reconstructing the siege’s early phases in 1189 (ch. 2); its progression through the spring and summer (ch. 3) and autumn and winter (ch. 4) of 1190; the arrival and impact of Philip Augustus and Richard I in 1191 (ch. 5); and Acre’s eventual surrender on 12 July 1191, which was followed by the infamous execution of Muslim prisoners on 20 August (ch. 6). As one might expect from a military history, strategy and tactics, the location and size of armies, their formation and physical state, and the sophistication of the siege machinery used by both sides are all recurring themes. Throughout, Hosler makes several astute points, for example casting light on the evolving military strategies employed by both sides. The fundamental significance to the crusaders’ survival of their defensive perimeter of trenches and ramparts is emphasised, as is the change of strategy under Henry of Champagne’s leadership, which saw the Latins focus their efforts on the city, rather than Saladin’s field armies

Acre · Ancient history · Archaeology · Battle · Greeks · Historiography · Political science · Politics · Reign · Siege · Surrender · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Classics · Eurasian Exchange Networks · History · Law · Medieval History and Crusades