The battle at Jaffa

Their spirits heightened by victory the Crusaders marched on to the seaport of Jaffa. They restored Jaffa in order to ensure a supply line from the coast. They then headed inland and finally reached Beit Nuba, twelve miles from Jerusalem, on the 3rd of January 1192 CE. But winter had descended upon them and the leaders were advised that, even if Jerusalem were captured, the knights would be unable to hold onto the city once Richard returned to England.

Richard turned around and rebuilt Ascalon. A second march towards Jerusalem in June 1192 ended with Richard again turning back at Beit Nuba. The lack of unity among the Crusading armies and a poor supply line made it militarily unwise to proceed. For one moment Richard I gazed upon Jerusalem from a distance, saddened that he would be unable to return the city to Christian hands.