Timber and Fire - How Jerusalem was captured by Crusaders

Ercole de Roberti Destruction of Jerusalem
Source: wikimedia commons

Mid-June 1099 - Genoese fleet anchored at Jaffa, at this time just small natural harbour, closest to Jerusalem. They had come primary to explore new avenues for commerce. For Baldwin, crusaders leader in this time, they provide needed naval power. He offered them generous term - they can create independent trading enclave in any settlement or city taken by Crusaders with sailors help. In addition experienced and  skilled Genoese craftsman strengthen engineering skills of Crusaders which combined with local Christian knowledge about timber sources allow Crusaders to start building siege machinery. Muslim used normal tactic to fight this timber siege towers - fire but sometimes with unexpected role change: