Jaffa

Jaffa, also called Joppa, is an ancient Levantine port city that sits atop a natural elevation on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, making it a strategic location throughout history.

History

In 1191, the Crusaders, led by King Richard I of England, took the city of Acre from the Saracens, led by Saladin, after besieging it for almost two years. From there, Richard and his men marched south to Jaffa, leaving William of Montferrat in charge of Acre. Heralds in the city would attempt to rally the people to either side, with the Crusader heralds preaching that God would guide their warriors to victory in Jaffa and the Saracen heralds arguing that it was their duty to defend Jaffa for the city had always been theirs and, if taken, would lead to the Crusaders marching on Jerusalem next.

In an attempt to recoup his loses, Saladin led an interception on the port city of Arsuf while Richard's army was making a move on Jaffa. The Crusaders won and continued towards Jaffa, which was then taken and fortified. Richard's plan of using the city as a point for stockpiling supplies and troops prior to the retaking of Jerusalem was derailed after learning of problems back in Europe and Richard and Saladin came to a truce in Jaffa.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only, as "Joppa")