Fall of Montfort Castle
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In 1271, the Mamluk Sultan, Baybars, began his campaigns against the Crusader states in the Levant. His first target was the castle Krak des Chevaliers. He managed to capture it alongside Gibelacar. Baybars then launched an attack against Tripoli. However, Baybars heard of the arrival of Prince Edward's crusade to Acre. Baybars made peace with Tripoli to meet Edward. Baybars went to Damascus and left there on June 5. On his way he stopped at the Montfort Castle. Montfort Castle originally belonged to Joscelin III in the 12th century. It was later sold to the Teutonic Order. The Teutons rebuilt the castle and expanded it. The Teutons took the castle as their headquarters and the residence of the Grand Master. The Mamluks attempted to besiege the castle in 1266 but were repelled.
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Siege
The Mamluks arrived at Montfort on June 8. They encamped on the two mountain ridges to the south and east of the fortress. They set up three big mangonels and several smaller ones. The Mamluks encamped in a valley near the stream. The Mamluks assaulted and captured the Rabad, or castle town, on June 11 after three days of fighting. The next day, the Mamluks assaulted and captured the Bashura, or the outer walls. The Mamluks took the Bashura as a refuge. The Teutons retreated to the castle. The Mamluks besieged them and began undermining the castle, which successfully caused damage. The Mamluks also bombarded the castle. Seeing the bad positions, the Teutons surrendered on June 23. The Teutons were allowed safe passage to Acre.
Aftermath
Montfort Castle was held in high regard by the Crusaders, and during the siege, several Crusader envoys from Acre and Cyprus attempted to persuade the Sultan from besieging the castle, but Baybars refused. The Mamluks demolished the castle, and after 12 days of work, the Mamluks left for Acre.