The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Hattin, Battle of
(hättn´) (KEY) , battle on July 4, 1187, in N Palestine, where Saladins Muslim forces defeated the Christian armies of Guy de Lusignan. When Saladin attacked Tiberias in July, 1187, Christian forces attempted to aid the besieged city but were roadblocked; they waited on a plateau near the town of Hattin. The Muslims quickly surrounded the camp, cutting off their enemies water supply and then attacking. The majority of Christian soldiers were killed; King Guy, however, was spared.