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Battle of Qaqun

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The Raid at Qaqûn was a military action carried out in June 1271 by the English Crusader force led by Lord Edward (the future King Edward I of England) during the Ninth Crusade. Edward, commanding a relatively small force of around 1,000–1,200 men, launched a surprise attack on a contingent of Mamluk-aligned Turcomen horsemen encamped near the town of Qaqûn in central Palestine.

Raid of Qaqun (1271)
Part of Lord Edward's crusade

Qaqun fortress
Date23 November 1271
Location
Qaqun
Result Anglo - Crusader Victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of England
 Kingdom of Jerusalem
 Kingdom of Cyprus
 Knights Templar
 Knights Hospitaller
 Teutonic Order		 Mamluk Sultanate
Commanders and leaders
Prince Edward
Edmund Crouchback
Hugh III of Jerusalem		 Husam al-Din Ustdar †
Baybars al-Jaliq (WIA)
Aqush al-Shamsi
Strength
1,000 - 1,200 1,500 - 2,000
Casualties and losses
50 - 100 1,500- 2,000

The Turcomen force, numbering approximately 1,500 – 2,000, was likely conducting raids or acting as an advance screen for the Mamluk army under Sultan Baibars. Edward’s forces overwhelmed the camp in a swift assault, reportedly killing around 1,500 enemy combatants, while sustaining minimal losses themselves. The raid was one of the most notable tactical successes of Edward’s brief campaign in the Holy Land. Despite its success, the raid did not lead to the capture of Qaqûn or any lasting territorial gains. It was part of a broader strategy by Edward to disrupt Mamluk operations, rally local Christian morale, and seek alliances, including outreach to the Mongol Ilkhanate. The raid demonstrated Edward’s boldness and tactical ability, though the overall strategic impact of the Ninth Crusade was limited.

Background

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Shortly after the Eighth Crusade, the English Crusaders led by Prince Edward decided to sail towards the holy land. The Crusaders arrived in Acre on May 9, 1271. Edwards made plans for an offensive against the Muslims. Edward dispatched an embassy to the Mongol Ilkhanate ruler, Abaqa Khan, discussing plans for a coordinated attack against the Mamluks. While waiting for Abaqa's response, Edward launched a raid against St. Georges-de-Lebeyne. The raid ended in failure after his men got sick in the summer heat. The Mongols responded to Edward's call, and in October they raided North Syria. However, it was forced to retreat upon the approach of the Mamluk army led by Baybars.[1][2][3]

Battle

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On November 23, Edward left Acre for another raid. Edward's brother Edmund Crouchback had reinforced his troops from Acre and Cyprus, who were led by Hugh III. The military orders, Templars, Hospitallers, and Teutons, joined Edward's raid. This time, the Crusaders targeted the fort of Qaqun, 40 miles southeast of Acre. Heading south and slightly inland, they proceeded cautiously, marching mostly at night. When the Crusaders arrived, they met a large number of Turkomen herdsmen. The Crusaders attacked them, killing many of them and capturing a large number of cattle.[4][5][6]

The Crusaders then attacked the Qaqun. The Mamluk garrison managed to hold their ground, despite the death of the emir Husam al-Din Ustdar. Another emir, Baybars al-Jaliq, was wounded during the fight. Despite this, the Crusaders failed to capture the castle, and soon the Mamluk army, which was stationed at Ayn Jalut, arrived to relieve the fort. The Crusaders were forced to retreat to Acre. The Mamluks chased the Crusaders, killing many of them, including their horses, took back the cattle, and liberated a number of Turkomens who were captured.[7][8][9][10]

The Mamluk relief was force was led by Jamal al-Din Aqush al-Shamsi.[11] Frankish sources mention that had it not been for the arrival of the Mamluk relief force, the Crusaders would've been able to capture it.[12]

Aftermath

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The Crusader raid on Qaqun ended in failure.[13][14] The Turkomen who were routed were no more than wandering herdsmen. Baybars attempted to retaliate by attacking Acre in December, but due to heavy rains, the Mamluk Sultan was forced to retreat to Egypt. The Crusaders realized there was little chance for any successful campaigning while the Mamluks grew tired of fighting. Both sides agreed to a 10-year truce in May 1272. Edward was furious with the peace treaty. Edward would leave the Holy Land on September 24, 1275.[15][16]

Baybars commented on the Crusader's failed attack on Qaqun, stating:[17][18]

“If so many men cannot take a house, they are unlikely to conquer the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

References

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  1. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 75-76
  2. ^ Reuven Amitai, p. 75-76
  3. ^ Michael Lower, p. 180
  4. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 77
  5. ^ Reuven Amitai, p. 76
  6. ^ Michael Lower, p. 181
  7. ^ Kate Raphael, p. 160
  8. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 77
  9. ^ Reuven Amitai, p. 76
  10. ^ Michael Lower, p. 181
  11. ^ Andrew Petersen (2005), The Towns of Palestine under Muslim Rule, p. 92.[1]
  12. ^ Kate Raphael, p. 160
  13. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 77
  14. ^ Reuven Amitai, p. 76
  15. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 77-78
  16. ^ Marc Morris, p. 99
  17. ^ Michael Prestwich, p. 77
  18. ^ Marc Morris, p. 99

Sources

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  • Michael Prestwich (2008), Edward I.[2]
  • Reuven Amitai (2024), The Mongols in the Islamic Lands, Studies in the History of the Ilkhanate.[3]
  • Michael Lower (2018), The Tunis Crusade of 1270: A Mediterranean History.
  • Kate Raphael (2010), Muslim Fortresses in the Levant, Between Crusaders and Mongols.[4]
  • Marc Morris (2010), A Great and Terrible King, Edward I and the Forging of Britain.[5]
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