13th century
Egypt, Nile Delta
The Battle of Mansura in August 1221 ended the Fifth Crusade's attempt to conquer Egypt. After the Crusader army advanced south from Damietta during the Nile flood season, Ayyubid forces surrounded it amid rising waters and defeated it. Al-Kamil then granted the Crusaders withdrawal in exchange for Damietta and an eight-year truce.
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The Story
The battle followed the capture of Damietta in November 1219 and the Crusader army's prolonged inactivity. When the Christians finally marched south in July 1221, they entered the Nile Delta at a season when the river was rising. Their limited knowledge of the canals and waterways left the army vulnerable to encirclement.
At Mansura in August 1221, the Ayyubid forces confronted the advancing Crusaders. Water surrounded the army, while enemy forces pressed it from every side. After a fiercely fought battle, the Crusaders were defeated and requested terms of peace.
Al-Kamil chose a generous settlement. He permitted the enemy to withdraw freely and returned the Holy Cross in exchange for Damietta and an eight-year truce. The result ended another major attempt to conquer Egypt and remove the principal Muslim power in the eastern Mediterranean.
13th century
Egypt, Nile Delta
The Battle of Mansura in August 1221 ended the Fifth Crusade's attempt to conquer Egypt. After the Crusader army advanced south from Damietta during the Nile flood season, Ayyubid forces surrounded it amid rising waters and defeated it. Al-Kamil then granted the Crusaders withdrawal in exchange for Damietta and an eight-year truce.
Continue exploring
The Story
The battle followed the capture of Damietta in November 1219 and the Crusader army's prolonged inactivity. When the Christians finally marched south in July 1221, they entered the Nile Delta at a season when the river was rising. Their limited knowledge of the canals and waterways left the army vulnerable to encirclement.
At Mansura in August 1221, the Ayyubid forces confronted the advancing Crusaders. Water surrounded the army, while enemy forces pressed it from every side. After a fiercely fought battle, the Crusaders were defeated and requested terms of peace.
Al-Kamil chose a generous settlement. He permitted the enemy to withdraw freely and returned the Holy Cross in exchange for Damietta and an eight-year truce. The result ended another major attempt to conquer Egypt and remove the principal Muslim power in the eastern Mediterranean.
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