Siege of Trapessac (1188)

Siege of Trapessac (1188)
Part of Crusades
Trapessac fortress
Date 2 – 13 September 1188 Location Trapessac Result Ayyubid victory
Belligerents
Knights Templar	Ayyubid Dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Saladin
Strength
Unknown	Unknown

The Siege of Trapessac took place in September 1188 between the Ayyubid Sultanate led by Saladin and the Knights Templar, who held the fortress of Trapessac. After 2 weeks of siege, the city was captured.

Siege

The Ayyubid Sultan Saladin began his military operations against the Principality of Antioch on July 2, 1188, capturing several fortresses. Antioch was protected by the Templar strongholds of Trapessac and Bagras. Saladin attacked Trapessac first. On September 2nd, the Ayyubids began the siege. The fortifications and position of Trapessac made the siege a difficult task. The Ayyubid forces began bombarding the castle with catapults constantly while simultaneously mining under one of the walls. This proved successful, and a breach was made. The Ayyubids then assaulted the walls. The Templars began forming a human wall at the breach. When one Templar falls, another takes his place, as one eyewitness claimed. The battle raged for two weeks, and despite the bravery of the Templars, they had no choice but to surrender on the 13th. The Templars dispatched messages to Bohemond III of Antioch, but no help arrived. The Templars were allowed to leave for Antioch in exchange for leaving their weapons, stores, and grains and paying a heavy ransom of 5,000 dinars from their treasury. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Aftermath

The capture of Trapessac was celebrated by Muslim historians in their book, describing the fort as prestigious and containing significant booty. ^[5] Considered an important fort that secured both the Crusaders and the Armenians. Under Leo I, King of Armenia, they attempted to capture the fort in 1205 but were repelled. In 1237, the Templars sought to recapture the fort but suffered a severe defeat. ^[6]

References

1. Clara Almagro Vidal & Emanuel Buttigieg, p. 44
2. Charles Dillon, p. 57
3. Zvonimir Grbasic, p. 100
4. T. S. R. Boase, p. 97
5. Clara Almagro Vidal & Emanuel Buttigieg, p. 44
6. Kristian Molin, p. 185

Sources

• Clara Almagro Vidal & Emanuel Buttigieg (2025), The Military Orders Volume VIII, in a Wider World.

• Charles Dillon (2005), Templar Knights and the Crusades.

• Zvonimir Grbasic (2023), The Templars at War.

• Kristian Molin (2001), Unknown Crusader Castles.

• T. S. R. Boase (1978), The Cilician Kingdom of Armenia.