After Hattin

More historical grimness. The aftermath of the Battle of Hattin in 1187, which was a decisive victory for Saladin and a catastrophic defeat for the forces of Latin Jerusalem. Having taken the town of Tiberias on the day after the battle, Saladin ordered the execution of the Templars and Hospitallers from among his prisoners. He is said to have wished to purify the land of these two monstrous orders who would never renounce their cause and who would offer no service as slaves. So determined was he to make an example of the warrior monks that he compensated those of his men who had captured them in order that the prisoners be handed over.

According to the chronicler and eyewitness Imad ed-Din, a party of Sufis - pious ascetics, mystic initiates and men of the law - requested the honour of doing the actual beheading. Saladin and his troops watched the spectacle. Some of the Sufis apparently proved inadequate to the task and I dare say more hardened Islamic warriors stepped up to finish the job.

Imad contrasted the smiling face of the sultan to the surly bearing of the 300 condemned. Alternatively it was said that a Templar brother called Nicholas encouraged his fellows to meet their 'martyrdom' bravely.

Previously Saladin had personally dispatched the much villified Reynald de Chatillon, prince of Kerak. King Guy and other important prisoners (including Grand Master Gerard de Ridefort, the only Templar to survive) were kept for ransom.