Arsuf: Difference between revisions
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|icon = Arsuf.svg | |icon = Arsuf.svg | ||
|iconwidth = 40 | |iconwidth = 40 | ||
| | |date = 6th or 5th century BC | ||
|targets = [[Robert de Sable]] | |state = | ||
|factions = [[Saracens]]<br>[[Crusaders]] | |||
|targets = [[Robert de Sable]]}} | |||
'''Arsuf''', also known as '''Arsur''' or '''Apollonia''', was an ancient | '''Arsuf''', also known as '''Arsur''' or '''Apollonia''', was an ancient city within the [[Kingdom]], and was located on a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea. | ||
In 1191, the plains around Arsuf was the site for the [[Battle of Arsuf]]. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
===Early history | ===Early history=== | ||
Founded by Phoenicians in the 6th to 5th century | Founded by Phoenicians in the 6th to 5th century BC, Arsuf was initially a part of the Persian Empire. However, during the Hellenistic period, it became an anchorage town that was ruled by Seleucids, and was renamed Apollonia. Later, under {{Wiki|Roman Empire|Roman rule}}, the size of the town increased, becoming an important settlement along Via Maris, the coastal road. | ||
In 113 C.E, the city was partially destroyed by an earthquake, but recovered quickly and developed trade with [[Italy]] and North Africa. Captured by Muslims in 640 C.E, the Semitic name of Arsuf was restored and the town was surrounded by a fortified wall to resist the constant attacks of Byzantine fleets from the sea. | In 113 C.E, the city was partially destroyed by an earthquake, but recovered quickly and developed trade with [[Italy]] and North Africa. Captured by Muslims in 640 C.E, the Semitic name of Arsuf was restored and the town was surrounded by a fortified wall to resist the constant attacks of Byzantine fleets from the sea. | ||
In 1101, Arsuf fell to a army of [[Crusaders]] led by {{Wiki|Baldwin I of Jerusalem}}. The Crusaders, who called it Arsur, rebuilt the city's walls and created the Lordship of Arsur in the Kingdom of [[Jerusalem]], | In 1101, Arsuf fell to a army of [[Crusaders]] led by {{Wiki|Baldwin I of Jerusalem}}. The Crusaders, who called it Arsur, rebuilt the city's walls and created the Lordship of Arsur in the Kingdom of [[Jerusalem]]. However, in 1187, Arsuf was once again captured by the Muslim [[Saracens]].<ref name="Wikipedia">{{Wiki|Arsuf|''Wikipedia:'' Arsuf}}</ref> | ||
===Third Crusade=== | ===Third Crusade=== | ||
In 1191, a major battle took place close | In 1191, a major battle took place close Arsuf, between the forces [[Richard I of England|Richard the Lionheart]] and [[Saladin]]. | ||
The [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] entered the area in search of [[Robert de Sable]], who was reuniting with Richard for a briefing in the upcoming battle. Crusaders and Saracens scouting parties were scattered around the plains, with the bulk of the army moving through the coastal road. Altaïr fought his way through the plains, slaying many soldiers, both Crusader and Saracen. | |||
[[File:BoA 8.png|thumb|250px|left|Crusaders at the Battle of Arsuf.]] | |||
Upon reaching the encampment, the Assassin was surrounded by [[Templars|Knights Templar]], though Richard gave him a chance to speak. Altaïr accused de Sable of secretly plotting to undermine the English king, though his comment was dismissed by the [[Grand Master]] of the Templar Order. To settle the affair, Richard directed the two into a final duel, so the man "whose side God favors" would win. | |||
While Altaïr was then confronted by a dozen Templars and Robert, he managed to win the fight, despite possessing unfavorable odds. With his final breath, Robert informed him that [[Rashid ad-Din Sinan|Al Mualim]], the [[Mentor]] of the [[Levantine Assassins]], had secretly been a Templar. Following this, with Richard's consent, the Assassin left for [[Masyaf]] to confront his master. | |||
The Crusaders emerged victorious from the Battle of Arsuf, and subsequently took control of the city.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref> | |||
===Modern times=== | ===Modern times=== | ||
By 1261, Arsuf was ruled by the [[Knights Hospitalier]], though it was captured by Sultan Baibars in 1265, after 40 days of siege. The [[Mamluks]] then completely destroyed the town, fearing the return of the Crusaders. | |||
The remains of the fortress and city still stood during [[modern times]], within the jurisdiction of the Apollonia National Park in Herzliyya, Israel. In 1995, a new village named Arsuf was established north of the fortress.<ref name="Wikipedia" /> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
{{AC}} | {{AC}} | ||
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Locations]] | [[Category:Assassin's Creed Locations]] | ||
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade Locations]] | [[Category:Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade Locations]] | ||
Revision as of 08:50, 2 September 2012
Arsuf, also known as Arsur or Apollonia, was an ancient city within the Kingdom, and was located on a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1191, the plains around Arsuf was the site for the Battle of Arsuf.
History
Early history
Founded by Phoenicians in the 6th to 5th century BC, Arsuf was initially a part of the Persian Empire. However, during the Hellenistic period, it became an anchorage town that was ruled by Seleucids, and was renamed Apollonia. Later, under Roman rule, the size of the town increased, becoming an important settlement along Via Maris, the coastal road.
In 113 C.E, the city was partially destroyed by an earthquake, but recovered quickly and developed trade with Italy and North Africa. Captured by Muslims in 640 C.E, the Semitic name of Arsuf was restored and the town was surrounded by a fortified wall to resist the constant attacks of Byzantine fleets from the sea.
In 1101, Arsuf fell to a army of Crusaders led by Baldwin I of Jerusalem. The Crusaders, who called it Arsur, rebuilt the city's walls and created the Lordship of Arsur in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. However, in 1187, Arsuf was once again captured by the Muslim Saracens.[1]
Third Crusade
In 1191, a major battle took place close Arsuf, between the forces Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
The Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad entered the area in search of Robert de Sable, who was reuniting with Richard for a briefing in the upcoming battle. Crusaders and Saracens scouting parties were scattered around the plains, with the bulk of the army moving through the coastal road. Altaïr fought his way through the plains, slaying many soldiers, both Crusader and Saracen.
Upon reaching the encampment, the Assassin was surrounded by Knights Templar, though Richard gave him a chance to speak. Altaïr accused de Sable of secretly plotting to undermine the English king, though his comment was dismissed by the Grand Master of the Templar Order. To settle the affair, Richard directed the two into a final duel, so the man "whose side God favors" would win.
While Altaïr was then confronted by a dozen Templars and Robert, he managed to win the fight, despite possessing unfavorable odds. With his final breath, Robert informed him that Al Mualim, the Mentor of the Levantine Assassins, had secretly been a Templar. Following this, with Richard's consent, the Assassin left for Masyaf to confront his master.
The Crusaders emerged victorious from the Battle of Arsuf, and subsequently took control of the city.[2]
Modern times
By 1261, Arsuf was ruled by the Knights Hospitalier, though it was captured by Sultan Baibars in 1265, after 40 days of siege. The Mamluks then completely destroyed the town, fearing the return of the Crusaders.
The remains of the fortress and city still stood during modern times, within the jurisdiction of the Apollonia National Park in Herzliyya, Israel. In 1995, a new village named Arsuf was established north of the fortress.[1]
References
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