Fatimid Forces Successfully Recapture Jerusalem from Seljuk Control

In 1098, a pivotal event unfolded in the history of Jerusalem when the Fatimids successfully recaptured the city from the Seljuks. This marked a significant shift in control over the region, as the Fatimids regained power after a period of brutal Seljuk rule. The Seljuks had established their dominance in Palestine, ruling with an iron fist and committing atrocities against the local population. They had promised pardon to the people of Jerusalem but instead slaughtered many, while also devastating cities like Gaza, Ramla, and Jaffa. The Fatimid recapture of Jerusalem not only restored their influence but also symbolized a turning point in the ongoing power struggles in the region. This event occurred against a backdrop of natural disasters, as the 11th century saw three major earthquakes that further complicated the socio-political landscape of Palestine. The last of these earthquakes in 1068 had catastrophic effects, virtually demolishing Ramla and resulting in the loss of approximately 15,000 lives. The Fatimid victory in 1098 thus represented not only a military success but also a moment of hope for the beleaguered inhabitants of Jerusalem, who had suffered under the harsh rule of the Seljuks.