The First Kingdom of Jerusalem existed between 1099 and 1187, when the army of Saladin defeated the European Crusaders who established the kingdom. Christian forces camped in the area of the Tzipori Springs for a couple of months leading up to the decisive Battle of Hattin in 1187.
Before expanding route 79 in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority sent in archaeologists to search for historic artifacts to prevent them from being destroyed. Those archaeologists believe they have found that encampment, which is the first Crusader camp ever found in the Middle East.
The artifacts found so far include many that have to do with horses: horseshoes, horse nails, bridal fittings, and combs. There are also coins, needles, buckles, and other metal items. Notably, these artifacts originated in both Europe and the Levant, and indicate they were owned by people of widely varying wealth and status. Read more about the Crusader camp and its artifacts at Smithsonian.
(Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority)
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