10 June 1179 · Litani Valley
Battle of Marj Ayyun
On 10 June 1179 at Marj Uyun in the Litani valley, a Frankish army that had scattered in pursuit of Saladin's raiders was defeated by a sudden counterattack. Leading figures such as the Templar master Odo of Saint-Amand and Baldwin of Ibelin were captured; Baldwin IV barely escaped.
RESEARCH DOSSIER
Historical analysis of the event
Background
After the defeat at Montgisard, Saladin raided the northern frontier of the Kingdom of Jerusalem from around Banyas in spring 1179. The kingdom, meanwhile, was building a new castle at Jacob's Ford on the Jordan. Baldwin IV, Count Raymond III of Tripoli and the Templars marched north to stop the raids.
Course of events
The Frankish army first scattered a raiding force under Saladin's nephew Farrukhshah. But at what seemed a moment of victory, part of the army went after booty while the Templars broke away from the main army and advanced toward the hills.
Saladin attacked the scattered Frankish units in the Litani valley with his main force. The Frankish army was routed. Baldwin IV, who because of leprosy had difficulty riding, was carried to safety on a knight's back. Many were captured, including Odo of Saint-Amand, Baldwin of Ibelin and Hugh of Tiberias.
Outcome and significance
Odo of Saint-Amand refused an offer to exchange him for a Muslim prisoner and died in captivity in Damascus in 1180. Baldwin of Ibelin was released for a large ransom, part of which is said to have been paid by the Byzantine emperor Manuel I.
Marj Uyun was revenge for Montgisard and gave Saladin the opening he needed to attack the castle at Jacob's Ford. The defeat showed once again the price of the Frankish army's tendency toward undisciplined pursuit and scattered movement.
Sources and debates
William of Tyre blames the defeat on the irresponsibility of the Templars and those who chased booty. Imad al-Din al-Isfahani and Abu Shama describe the victory in detail and list the captives. Baldwin of Ibelin's ransom (around 150,000 dinars) is reported differently in the sources.
Dates, places and figures in this record compare the principal narrative sources with modern scholarship. Where the sources disagree this is stated in the text; for a thesis or publication, consult the relevant edition and page reference.