On July 4, 1187, the Battle of Hattin became the bloodiest and most devastating defeat the Knights Templar ever faced. Surrounded by Saladin’s army under the blazing desert sun, the Crusaders were dying of thirst as fire and arrows rained down. The Templars fought until their swords broke, defending the True Cross to the last breath. When they fell, Saladin ordered the captured knights executed by beheading, their blood staining the sand red. The fall of Hattin shattered Christian power in the H

In this episode, we visit the actual location of the battle of the Horns of Hattin (Hittin), where Crusaders fought the armies of Saladin, and we attend the annual re-enactment by the group "Jerusalem Kingdom" that includes marching, horse riding, and fighting. We also interview Dr. Rafael Lewis who shares his findings of this fascinating site and explains how this location was also believed to be the true Mt Beatitudes before the 20th century. Season 2, Episode 6. | Sergio & Rhoda in Israel

The Battle of Hattin wasn’t just a defeat — it was an ending. On July 4, 1187, the Crusader army, led by King Guy of Jerusalem, marched across the searing plains of Galilee to relieve besieged Tiberias. But Saladin was waiting. He cut off their water, surrounded them, and set the dry grass ablaze. As smoke and heat choked the air, the Knights Templar and Hospitallers formed a desperate circle around the True Cross, the holiest relic in Christendom. Hour after hour, they fought — outnumbered, deh