Who won the decisive Battle of Hattin in 1187?

Saladin won the decisive Battle of Hattin in 1187. His victory destroyed the main field army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and opened the way for the rapid collapse of much of the Crusader state.

The battle began after King Guy of Lusignan marched the Crusader army away from its secure, well-watered position at La Saphorie to relieve Tiberias. Saladin’s forces harassed the march, used heat and thirst to weaken the soldiers, and blocked access to water. On 4 July, the exhausted Crusader army was surrounded near the twin hills known as the Horns of Hattin.

The Crusaders suffered a crushing defeat. Guy was captured, while Raynald of Châtillon was executed by Saladin. Many Templar and Hospitaller prisoners were also killed. The defeat left the kingdom with few troops to defend its towns and castles, allowing Saladin to capture Acre, Jaffa, and other strongholds before taking Jerusalem in October 1187. Conrad of Montferrat later defended Tyre, but he did not command the victorious army at Hattin.