Saladin's Siege of Kerak 1183: The Wedding That Became a Battle

In 1183, Saladin besieged the Crusader fortress of Kerak during the wedding of King Baldwin IV's half-sister Sibylla to Guy of Lusignan. Ibn al-Athir and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani recount how the festivities continued even as Saladin's sappers undermined the walls. Baldwin IV, though leprous, led a relief force that forced Saladin to withdraw. This episode examines the strategic importance of Kerak, Reynald de Châtillon's role in provoking Saladin, and the wedding that became a symbol of Crusader defiance. We also explore the broader context of Saladin's campaigns in Transjordan and his relationship with his brother al-Adil, who played a key role in the siege. #Saladin #Kerak #Crusades #BaldwinIV #Sibylla #GuyofLusignan #ReynalddeChatillon #alAdil #IbnAlAthir #ImadAdDin #Siege #Transjordan #MedievalHistory #MiddleEast #History #FexingoHistory #Ayyubid #Crusader Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo