The Decisive Battles of World History Season 1 Episode 11 1087 Hattin: Crusader Desert Disaster

In episode 11 of The Decisive Battles of World History, titled "1087 Hattin: Crusader Desert Disaster," viewers are taken back to the time of the Crusades as they revisit one of the most significant battles of the era. This episode focuses on the Battle of Hattin, which took place in the year 1187 between the Crusader forces and the army of Muslim leader Saladin.

The episode begins by providing some background information on the Crusades and their purpose before zeroing in on the events leading up to the Battle of Hattin. The Crusader army, which had been occupying Jerusalem, was led by King Guy of Jerusalem and his advisors, who had grown complacent and overconfident. In contrast, Saladin's forces were well-trained and highly motivated, seeking to regain control of Jerusalem. As a result, Saladin had previously captured numerous cities from the Crusaders and weakened their power in the region.

The episode then moves on to describe the actual battle, providing viewers with a detailed account of what took place in the scorching desert heat. As the two armies clashed, the Muslim forces quickly gained the upper hand, breaking through the Crusader ranks and scattering them across the battlefield. Despite King Guy's efforts to rally his troops, the Crusaders were eventually defeated, with many being killed or taken prisoner.

Viewers are given a clear picture of the events of the battle through both narration and reenactments. Throughout the episode, historians and experts provide insights into the strategies and tactics used by both sides, helping viewers understand how the battle unfolded and why certain decisions were made.

However, the episode doesn't end there. Instead, it goes on to explore the aftermath of the Battle of Hattin and its impact on the Crusader forces. With their army decimated and King Guy taken prisoner, the Crusaders were forced to abandon Jerusalem, which fell to Saladin's forces just a few months later.

Through this episode, viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the Crusades and the significance of the Battle of Hattin. They see firsthand how a decisive battle can change the course of history and why it is important to study these events and understand their impact. Overall, "1087 Hattin: Crusader Desert Disaster" is a gripping and informative episode that will leave viewers eager to learn more about this era of history.