Battle of Arsuf

September 7, 1191

Marching down the coast from Acre under constant harassment, Richard halted his column near Arsuf, ordered a disciplined charge at the critical moment, and broke Saladin's army on the beach. It was one of the rare times a Crusader army out-maneuvered Saladin in the field. The victory restored Crusader morale after years of defeat and demonstrated that Richard's tactical genius could match the great sultan's.