The Arsuf Plains (Hebrew: ארשוף, Arabic: أرصف (Arsaaf)) are the outskirts of an ancient city and fortress located in Israel, near the modern day city of Herzliyya. Also known as Arsur or Apollonia, it is located on a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea.
History
Early history and development
Founded by Phoenicians in the 6th or 5th century BC, Arsuf was initially a part of the Persian Empire. During the Hellenistic period it became an anchorage town, ruled by Seleucids and renamed Apollonia. Later, under Roman rule, the size of the town increased, where it was an important settlement along Via Maris, the coastal road.
In 113 AD, the city was partially destroyed by an earthquake, but recovered quickly and developed trade with Italy and North Africa. Captured by Muslims in 640 AD, the Semitic name Arsuf restored and the town was surrounded by a fortified wall to resist the constant attacks of Byzantine fleets from the sea.
In 1101, Arsuf fell to a Crusader army led by Baldwin I of Jerusalem. The Crusaders, who called it Arsur, rebuilt the city's walls and created the Lordship of Arsur in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but in 1187 Arsuf was again captured by the Muslims.[1]
Assassin's Creed
In 1191, a major battle took place there between the forces Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
Altaïr entered the area in search of Robert de Sable, who was reuniting with Richard for a briefing in the upcoming battle. Crusaders and Saracens scouting parties were scattered around the plains, with the bulk of the army moving through the coastal road.[2] The Assassin fought his way through the plains, slaying several groups of many soldiers, both Crusader and Saracen. Reaching the encampment, Altaïr was surrounded by Templars, but Richard gave him a chance to speak. Altaïr accused de Sable, and Richard set them in a final battle, so the man "which side God favors" wins. Altaïr was confronted by a dozen Templars and de Sable, but won the duel despite unfavorable odds. Robert informed him that Al Mualim, Grand Master of the Assassins, was a Templar all along. With Richard's consent, the Assassin left for Masyaf to confront his master.[2]
Modern day
The Crusaders won the battle and took control of Arsuf. By 1261, the city was ruled by the Knights Hospitaller. It was captured by sultan Baibars in 1265 after 40 days of siege. The Mamluks completely destroyed the town, fearing a return of the Crusaders.
The remains of the ruined fortress and the ancient Arsuf city still stand to this day, within the jurisdiction of the Apollonia National Park in Herzliyya, Israel.
In 1995, a new village named Arsuf was established north of the fortress.
Behind the Scenes
The location of the penultimate level of the game, it can only be entered for a short while, before the end of the game and only appears on the map after attempting the assassination of Robert de Sable and leaving Jerusalem.[2]
Notes and references
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