In September 1191 the Crusader army under the command of Richard Lionheart took city of Jaffa and fortified it. They believed Jaffa would be the base of operations in a drive to reconquer Jerusalem itself. By July 5, 1192, Richard began his withdrawal from the Holy Land. Almost immediately after Richard's withdrawal, Saladin, still smarting from his recent defeat at Arsuf, saw a chance for revenge and laid siege to the town of Jaffa. The defending garrison, although taken by surprise, fought well before the odds against them proved too great. Saladin's soldiers successfully stormed the walls after three days of bloody clashes; only Jaffa's citadel held out and the remaining Crusaders managed to send word of their plight.

Richard subsequently gathered a small army of 2000 men and went to Jaffa by sea in a surprise attack. Upon seeing Muslim banners flying from the walls, he falsely believed the town to be a lost cause, until a defender swam out to his flagship and informed him of the citadel's dire situation. Richard leaped into the sea and waded through the waves to reach the beach. The King again showed his personal bravery and martial prowess, leading his small army into battle. The Muslim army began to panic at the sudden offensive by Richard's arriving force; they feared it was but a spearhead of a much larger army coming to relieve Jaffa. Richard was able to retake Jaffa and free the Crusader prisoners, who proceeded to join his force. Saladin's fleeing army spilled out of Jaffa and escaped in a disorderly manner; Saladin was unable to regroup his forces until they had retreated more than five miles inland.

Saladin opted to launch a counterattack on Jaffa to recapture it, but failed. The repulse from Jaffa marked the end of Saladin's counter-offensive. Both sides were completely exhausted, and Palestine was in a ruinous state. A three-year truce was negotiated, Saladin retained Jerusalem, but Christian pilgrims would be free to visit the city.

To celebrate this day in history, 1100AD team gives to players "Letters to the Pope" artifact. May it bring you some good news about your own conquests!