Battle of Arsuf

The Battle of Arsuf was a decisive confrontation between Saracens and Crusaders that took place in September of 1191. During the Third Crusade, the Crusaders under King Richard were able to repulse an attack by the Saracens and gain the port city of Acre two months prior. Acre let them retain an advantage that was strategically important as Acre was the only port available for the Crusader army.

Eventually, King Richard led a counter attack himself, and let the city of Acre in the hands of his three most trusted men as he led the march just south of Acre to flank the Saracens. The battle was the first major defeat of the Saracens during the Crusades, thus raising the morale of the European army.

The Battle

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Arsuf combatants marching

The Saracens have set an ambush against the Crusaders as archers shot at the advancing Crusader Army as well as several Crusader strongholds being overran. Altaïr reached the outskirts of Arsuf and battled his way through numerous Saracen soldiers, whom set ambushes against the assassin. Altaïr, however, took them down as he continued towards the Crusader's camp.

The duel with Robert de Sable

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Altaïr faces Saracen opposition

Altaïr reached Richard, with Robert at his side and was stopped by Templars to be questioned. Richard assumed Saladin sent Altaïr to inform of surrender or that he was hired by one of his men to take him out. Altaïr explained that Richard was not his target, but his lieutenant Robert de Sable whom aims to betray him. Richard stated that he supported De Sable for his campaign of revenge for Altaïr's brotherhood being responsible for the death of his best men. The assassin admitted his responsibility for their deaths but argued that his actions were for good reason. The other leaders Garnier de Naplouse, William of Montferrat, and Sibrand were responsible for corrupt and traitorous practices Richard should have suspected from them. Richard took consideration of the assassin's points and turned to his lieutenant for input. Robert called out that they should not trust Altaïr as his fortress only wanted to prevent engagement by the combined might of the Saracen and Crusader armies. Altaïr claimed that he had no means to deceive and if his sacrifice was necessary for peace in the Holy Land he would do so. Richard was unsure of who spoke the truth and requested the two fight in a duel to see who God sides with.

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Altaïr reaches the Crusaders

Altaïr fought Robert's Templars beforehand and managed to kill all the knights. Robert stepped forward to confront Altaïr himself. Robert attacked with speed and power, but Altaïr was more skilled as Robert lost his life to the assassin. Before passing away, Robert explained the truth about Al Mualim and stated the irony that Altaïr's pursuit of him and his comrades helped the assassin transcend and see beyond the illusions of reality, thus strengthening his mind and will to resist the Apple. Altaïr afterwards had a small conversation with King Richard about all that he had done just to kill Robert. Richard mused over the violent, unruled nature of people and God's support for the assassin before Altaïr left to confront Al Mualim in Masyaf.

Aftermath

The battle of Arsuf was a valiant battle between the two opposing armies. The Crusaders where able to win the battle with the casualties amounting to 700 men. The Saracens however lost a hefty amount of men totalling to 7000 soldiers and 32 emir, although the true number is argued to be less.

Trivia

A Saracen archer screams "Hashashin!" when Altaïr approaches.