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Facts About the Battle of Hattin

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Battle of Hattin

The Battle of Hattin in many respects was a battle that became a legend. It was fought on 4 July 1187, with the Sultan Saladin taking on the Crusader army under the command of the Latin King of Jerusalem, Guy de Lusigan. Saladin had laid a trap for his opponents but had not expected them to fall for it, which they did and resulted in the defeat of the crusader army.

Basically the objective of Saladin was to at some point to retake the city of Jerusalem for Islam, and overthrow the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in the process. His opponent Guy had only become king the previous year after his wife’s son (from a previous marriage) had died. Guy’s succession had not been undisputed and the Crusaders were still prone to division. Guy had some fine soldiers in his ranks, the Templars in particular.

Saladin had the advantage of a larger army that was better supplied, especially with precious water. It is usually estimated that there were 30,000 men in his army for the battle. Victory would only be achieved if the Crusader army decided to fight them instead of seeking refuge in Sephoria (in other words the Christians went back to their starting point), or by reaching Tiberias. Guy instead made the mistake of attempting to reach Hattin (now renamed Hittin). Riding towards Hattin gravely exposed the Christians to a stronger enemy in a strategically better position to them. The majority of them could not fight their way out of the trap.

It is estimated that Guy was in charge of a force that numbered in the range of 15,000 to 20,000 men. It seems that it was Guy alone that wanted to fight that day. He could have waited to fight the next day after his army could have had water and sleep, or he could have stayed at Sephoria, to bide his time before Saladin’s army disbanded at the end of the campaigning season.

Guy de Lusigan surrendering to Saladin

For Saladin the trap he laid more in hope than in expectation paid full dividends. The overwhelming bulk of the Crusader army was either killed or captured at Hattin, including Guy and most of the leading nobles. Estimates vary as to exactly how many Christians escaped, perhaps as few as several hundred, or as many as 3,000 men.

To conclude Hattin was a significant victory for the Muslims. By the standards of the day Saladin was surprisingly lenient towards the vanquished, less than a handful were executed, some were released, the more important were ransomed, whilst others went into slavery. The rash decision to fight effectively sealed the fate of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem within the next two years.

This is what the battle field looks like in the 21st century

Facts About Blanford’s Fox

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Blanford’s fox are the second smallest species of fox in the world. These foxes are found in parts of Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. The species was first described by in 1877 by William Thomas Blanford, an English naturalist.

Blanford’s Fox (Vulpes cana) photographed in southern Israel
Author: Eyal Bartov / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The scientific name for Blanford’s fox is Vulpes cana. The species is known by many other names such as the Black Fox, Hoary Fox, Afghan Fox, Royal Fox, Baluchistan Fox, Dog Fox , Cliff Fox, King Fox and Steppe Fox.

Blanford’s Foxes prefer areas with semi-arid climate and are mainly found in steppes and rocky areas such as mountains, hills and canyons. They like to stay at medium altitudes, not too high and not too low. They’re usually found at altitudes below 2000m but have been seen in mountains at heights of 3000m.

These foxes have hair-less and cat-like paws with sharp semi-retractile claws that gives them the ability to jump and climb over cliffs and rocks as high as 3m. Their long hairy tails give them a counter-balancing effect when climbing or moving over rocky and narrow ledges.

Their coat is furry and mostly grey/brown. The lower regions of the body are white. They have long bushy tails and big ears, which help them dissipate heat and control body temperature.

Blanford’s Foxes are the second smallest among all foxes. The only smaller species is the Fennec Fox. Both species are close relatives and have a very similar DNA structure.

These foxes have a total length of about 70-90cm including the head, body and tail. They weigh around 0.8-3kg.

They are omnivorous in nature and their diet mainly consists of insects such as locusts, ants, beetles, termites and grasshoppers.

They also eat lizards, birds, fruits and small mammals such as rodents. Blanford’s Foxes can go without water for several days because they get their water content from the fruit they eat. They like to eat grapes, melons, Caper berries and Russian chives.

On average, they have a lifespan of about 4-5 years, but some individuals have been reported to live up to 10 years.

The foxes are nocturnal in nature. They hunt and feed at night and remain inside their caves, dens or other rocky shelters during the day.

Like all other fox species, Blanford’s Foxes have a sharp sense of smell, keen eyesight and very good hearing.

Blanford’s Foxes are monogamous in nature. Mating season starts in December and continues through February. The young foxes are born after a gestation period of 50-60 days. Each adult female fox can give birth to 1-4 babies at a time.

The baby foxes are nursed by their mothers for the first 30-45 days of their life. They reach sexual maturity 8-12 months after their birth.

Main Regions where the Blanford’s Fox is found.

Facts About Joan of Arc

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Joan of Arc, a folk heroine of France, also known as the Maid of Orleans, was born in 1412 to peasant class and religious parents in Domremy, France. She would grow to become one of the greatest female warriors of the medieval age, leading the French Army into battle and advising the King. She would also become a celebrated historical figure who would years after her death, be canonized into sainthood.

Early life

Joan was born in the village of Domrémy in France. Joan’s parents were farmers and owned about 50 acres (20 hectares) of land. Besides the farming work her father also held the position of a village official, collecting taxes and heading the local watch. Several local raids took place during Joan’s childhood and on one occasion her village was burned.

Divine visions

When she was 13 years old, Joan began to hear voices which she claimed to be St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. She lived her life in accordance with her beliefs from this young age, showing piety, and a devoutness in her faith in God. She also claimed to have regular communications with the Saints and drew upon these experiences to base her beliefs over that of the established church. She shared these traits with other visionaries of her time who claimed similar experiences, such as Madame Jeanne Guyonne.

France was in a difficult situation because the country was torn because of a messy conflict with England known as the Hundred Years’ War. The crown prince of France, Charles of Valois was disinherited because of rumors that he was illigitimate, and King Henry V became ruler of England and France. England occupied much of France and the village that Joan lived in lived under the threat of English invasion.

Joan believed that the voices she heard were sent by God, who had a mission for her to fulfill. She believed that this was to save her beloved country of France by making the English leave. Joan made a vow of chastity to God and pledged her life to him for this purpose. When her father tried to arrange a marriage for her, she went to the court and convinced them that she was not a good candidate for marriage. This in itself shows that at a young age, Joan had the power of persuasion on her side.

Joan as a military leader

Joan managed to convince the dauphin(crown prince of France) that she was truly sent from God to save France. He provided her with military support. Joan led the French and attacked and captured the fortress of St. Loup on May 4th. The next day they marches to St. Jean le Blanc. Joan and her troupe also captured the English stronghold at Les Tourelles on May 7th. During this battle, Joan received a wound as she was shot through the neck with an arrow, but she quickly resumed fighting.

Capture and Trial

After many miraculous victories, Joan became very famous and revered. King Charles was warned that Joan was becoming too powerful. In the spring of 1430, the king had ordered Joan to go out against the Burgundians near Compiegne. Joan was thrown from her horse and taken captive by the English. She was brought to Rouen where she was placed on trial for witchcraft and heresy, and around 70 other charges. The French King did not try to help Joan.

Execution

After much duress, and a year’s imprisonment, Joan signed a confession that denied her guidance by God. A death sentence was pronounced upon her, and at the age of 19, on May 30, 1431, Joan was taken to an old market place and burned at the stake. Her fame skyrocketed after her death, however, it took Charles VII 20 years to clear her name of the charges. She was later canonized in 1920 as the patron saint of France.

Facts About Snow-Gum Trees

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Snow-gum trees are usually found in Eastern Australia and Tasmania. This plant species is known for its ability to survive under extremely harsh weather conditions. Snow gums belong to the Myrtaceae plant family. Scientifically, this plant is known as the Eucalyptus Pauciflora. Although it is native to Australia, the plant is highly adaptable and has been introduced in many other parts of the world.

Eucalyptus Pauciflora in New South Wales, Australia. Green and red colored patches can be seen on cream colored bark.
Author: Steve Bittinger / (CC BY 2.0)

The word Eucalyptus comes from Greek and means “Well Covered” while Paucifloras has Latin origins and means “Few Flowered”.

Snow-gums were first described in 1823, by Czech botanist Franz Wilhelm Sieber while on a visit to New South Wales, Australia.

They are also known by other names such as Cabbage Gum, Weeping Gum, Ghost Gum, White Sallee, Flooded Gum, Peppermint, Swamp Gum or Alpine Snow Gum.

Snow Gum Tree at the Namadgi National Park in Australia
Author: Dfrg.msc at English Wikipedia / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Snow-gums prefer moist, slightly acidic and well drained soils. They aren’t comfortable with chalky and clay soils. These trees easily grow anywhere and don’t require a mineral rich soil. However, they do prefer sunny conditions and grow well in direct sunlight.

These trees can grow at lowlands and also at high altitudes. Snow-gum trees have been found at altitudes of 2000m. Snow-gums growing at higher altitudes are shorter than those growing at lower altitudes, because of variations in soil and climate.

They are quite hardy and can survive under moderate drought conditions.

Snow gums covered in snow
Author: Ed Dunens / (CC BY 2.0)

Considered small or medium sized in height, on average, these trees grow about 4-8m tall. Though sometimes they can rise up to 20m or even more, in height. It typically takes about 50 years for the tree to reach its maximum height.

It’s estimated that the tree has a lifespan of about 50-150 years.

Eucalyptus paucifloras(Snow-gums) are adapted to survive in very hot or very cold conditions. They can endure temperatures as low as -23°C. The Leaves and branches are specifically adapted to snowy conditions and can shed snow from the trees during winter.

Snow Gum Flowers
Author: Amanda Slater / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Snow-gums give off a slightly minty aroma.

Leaves are evergreen and have a shiny and glossy appearance because they contain Citronellal, a compound which is commonly found in Eucalyptus plants. It’s however, potentially poisonous. Each leave usually measures about 2.7-6.3 inches in length.

Cup-shaped white Flowers, in clusters of 11-15, bloom on the tree during spring and summer. Bees, butterflies and other insects and birds are attracted to the flowers.

Wild Fruit growing on a Snow Gum.
Author: John Tann / (CC BY 2.0)

Fruits also grow on the tree, that are usually consumed by wildlife including animals and small birds.

The bark is usually cream-white in color. Sometimes the bark is made up of patches of white-green/grey or white-red colors. The tree has the ability to shed its bark and the different colored patches are a result of this characteristic. This habit of the snow gum allows it to recover from any damage caused by cold weather, snow or fires.

Snow Gum leaves have a lot of herbal uses.
Author: John Tann / (CC BY 2.0)

Citronella oil, found in the leaves has been used traditionally as an antiseptic by the Aboriginal population of Australia. It’s also used to treat sore throat, coughs, indigestion and infections. However large doses can be fatal, hence proper guidelines must be followed when using herbal products containing Citronella Oil.

Snow-gum trees are also used as a fuel source. The Wood is sometimes burned to provide fire for cooking and heating purposes.

Other uses of the tree include providing shade and shelter outdoors, especially in parks and public places.

A Snow Gum tree in Victoria, Australia
Author: Ed Dunens / (CC BY 2.0)

Facts About Lahore Fort

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Lahore Fort was built in the first place in order to have complete control over the city of Lahore and its surrounding area. Although the fort is no longer used for military purposes the city is still a major military stronghold as it borders with India with whom Pakistan has fought a few wars, one of which saw heavy fighting and attacks on Lahore.

Lahore Fort
Author: Guilhem Vellut / (CC BY 2.0)

There have been fortifications in and around Lahore since the Stone Age, with coins found there from the fifth century AD. No one knows the exact date of when the fort was first built but the earliest available records show this was more than 1000 years ago.

Lahore fort is located somewhere in the northern part of the walled city. The walled city consists of older parts of Lahore and has a lot of historical structures, mostly dating back from the Mughal era.

The local population of Lahore have called the fort Shahi Qila for several centuries, a name of combined Punjabi and Urdu origins.

There have been various fortifications where the fort is, most of the earlier forts being either partially destroyed, or completely destroyed when sieges of the city were successful.

Destroyers of previous forts have included the Mongols in 1241, and then the army of Amir Tamir in 1398.

Close up of Lahore Fort
Author: Qaseem Ahmad / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

In the years between sieges, or being attacked the fort had to be repaired to make it harder for the next attackers to take it. For example it was reconstructed under the orders of Ghiyas ud bin Balban in 1267.

By 1432 it had been so badly damaged that the ruler of Kabul, Shaikh Ali ordered urgent repairs.

Those repairs came eleven years after Sultan Mubarak Shah Syed had reconstructed the entire fortification in mud.

The Mughals responsible for building the present incarnation of Lahore Fort noted the strategic importance of the area, and it is still considered to be important down to the present day.

The Lahore Fort was constructed during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who ordered its extensive rebuilding from 1566.

Another beautiful view of the fort
Author: Wasif Malik / (CC BY 2.0)

In terms of architecture it has all the elegance and style normally associated with the Mughals. Whilst it looks elegant Lahore Fort was also designed to be a formidable fortress.

Akbar ordered such features as the royal balcony (Jharoka-e-Darshan) and the Masjidi Gate.

Akbar’s successors, especially Jehangir and Shahjahan added other features to the fort. The former added Doulat Khana-e-Jaghanir(Treasury Room of Jehangir), the latter being responsible for the Shish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Khawabgah (Sleeping Quarters), and the Khilwat Khana (Place of Isolation).

Shahjahan even added a mosque in the grounds of the fort, namely the Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, built in 1633.

Moti Mosque, located inside the fort’s premises
Author: Mustafa / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The fort did not change hands again until 1758, when it was captured by Raghunathrao who led the Maratha forces to victory.

Within several years the Maratha had made way for the city and fort to be ruled by the Bhangi Sikh Dynasty. They in turn were ousted by the Maharaja Ranjit Sigh. Singh and his successors remained in charge until the British invaded the whole of the Punjab in 1849.

After the end of the Mughal empire the British also considered the maintaining of control over the Lahore Fort as important for the security of the Indian Raj.

Shish Mahal in the fort
Author: Omer Wazir / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The British knew from first hand experience how difficult it was to gain control of this citadel. When the British conquered the fort they found out that the Sikhs had further strengthened the fortress as they had expected conflict with the British. After all they had to do to take control of the fort from the Sikhs, the English rulers knew its strategic importance.

The British controlled Lahore Fort from 1849 through to 1947. They used Lahore as a base for unsuccessful attempts to take control of Afghanistan.

The Fort has been under Pakistan’s control since the country’s independence in 1947.

View from Moti Masjid(Mosque)
Author: Qaseem Ahmad / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Facts About Edwina Benner

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Edwina Benner was the first mayor to be elected in California, USA. Although, another town in the state called Sawtelle had already elected a woman named Mrs. Ellen French Aldrich as mayor in 1916. However Sawtelle was merged into Los Angeles in 1922 and as a result Mrs. Aldrich was no longer mayor, since Sawtelle was no longer a town. Hence, a lot of people believe Ms. Edwina Benner to be the first female mayor in California. She was elected as the Mayor of Sunnyvale in 1924 and a second time in 1938.

Edwina Benner

Her full name was Edwina Adaha Cochrane Benner.

Edwina was born on 1st August 1885 to Welford Irvin Cochrane and Mary Anne Johnson Cochrane on a vineyard in Santa Clara Valley.

She was a middle child in her family and had 2 sisters named Marilda and Elma.

Edwina married Carson Clinton Benner, a local business man in 1909. Edwina and Carson didn’t have any children together and remained married for 36 years until the death of Mr. Carson in 1945.

In 1920, Edwina won a seat as a Sunny Vale Town Trustee. Just a few years later, in 1924, she won the mayoral election and was appointed Mayor of Sunnyvale. She became Sunnyvale’s first mayor and also the first female mayor in California.

Apart from governing the city as mayor, Edwina also volunteered for many other leadership roles and also worked part-time at a local cannery.

She was re-elected as mayor of the city a second time in 1938. In total, she served on the Sunnyvale city council for 28 years.

Mrs. Benner also held other offices in the city including “Commissioner of Public Works” and the “City Commissioner for Finance and Revenue”.

In 1954, the city opened a new school and named it the Edwina Benner Intermediate School in her honor.

She was honored again in 2017 when a new housing project in the city was named after her and called the Edwina Benner Plaza.

Edwina Benner died on 14th May 1955 at the age of 69. She is buried at the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California.