Jerusalem · a Light

Jerusalem changed hands in 1187 without a massacre

On 2 October 1187, corresponding to 27 Rajab 583, Salah ad-Din took Jerusalem after a short siege. The terms were negotiated with Balian of Ibelin: the inhabitants could buy their freedom at a fixed rate per head, and those who could not pay were to be enslaved. In the event large numbers were released without payment, some ransomed by Salah ad-Din and his brother from their own funds, and the Christian population was allowed to leave with what it could carry. Eastern Christians were permitted to stay, and Jews were allowed to resettle in the city. The contrast with the sack of 1099 was noted by chroniclers on both sides at the time.

Salah ad-Din · Jerusalem, 2 October 1187