he Battle of the Springs of Cresson was a devastating and perplexing battle in the history of the Crusader States. Its proximity to the Battle of Hattin, which occurred a month later with consequences that were more keenly felt both within the Holy Land and Europe more generally, has resulted in Cresson being overlooked. Nevertheless, the events of 1 May 1187 were born from the political challenges faced by the Kingdom of Jerusalem and served as a portent for the events that came to define the Crusader States in the late 12th century.
By the end of April 1187 the Kingdom of Jerusalem was in a state of turmoil. It was deeply divided over Guy of Lusignan’s ascension to the throne, which in turn resulted in the political isolation of Raymond, Count of Tripoli, Guy’s vocal opponent. Jerusalem also faced an existential crisis as Saladin had unified both Egypt and Syria, effectively encircling the kingdom; his was a threat that could not be ignored.
Raymond was one of the most powerful barons in the kingdom and was consequently an enemy Guy could ill afford. It was therefore decided that a delegation consisting of Gerard de Ridefort, master of the Templars, Roger des Moulins, master of the Hospitallers, Joscelin, the archbishop of Tyre, Balian of Ibelin and Raynald of Sidon would be sent north to Tiberias, where Raymond was staying, with the aim of retrieving him from the political wilderness.
