Editing Amalric, King of Jerusalem (section)

====Third invasion of Egypt====
William relates that a Templar garrison surrendered a cave fortress besieged by Shirkuh while Amalric was on his way to relieve them; in his anger the king hanged about a dozen Templars who were responsible. Barber dates the incident to 1166.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=250}} In January 1167, before the Byzantines could assist, news reached Jerusalem that Shirkuh was marching towards Egypt at the head of a large army furnished by Nur ad-Din.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=242}} Amalric called a general council at Nablus, at which funds were raised for a counter-strike, and set out from Ascalon on 30 January.{{sfn|Barber|2012|pp=242-243}} Amalric rapidly mobilized an army, but failed in his attempt to catch Shirkuh before he crossed the Nile. Shawar again agreed to an annual tribute to the king of Jerusalem in return for Frankish help against Shirkuh.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=243}} The Franks secured the support of the Fatimid caliph, [[al-Adid]], but then a stalemate ensued between them and Shirkuh as the opposing forces were encamped on the opposite banks of the Nile.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=244}}

For over a month Amalric waited for enforcements from his constable, [[Humphrey II of Toron]], and Philip of Milly. The king then secretly moved his men {{cvt|8|miles}} south, leaving some to protect the young caliph and the wooden bridge they had raised on the Nile. A whirlwind prevented them from crossing the river, however, and so instead of catching Shirkuh by surprise, Amalric chased him with his knights for three days.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=244}} On 18 March an indecisive battle took place, after which Shirkuh subjugated [[Alexandria]]. The Franks followed him and [[blockade]]d the city until Shirkuh fled, leaving his nephew [[Saladin]] in charge. The king pursued Shirkuh until the Egyptians convinced him to attack Alexandria instead. The [[Siege of Alexandria (1167)|siege of Alexandria]] forced Shirkuh to sue for peace. The Franks entered Alexandria, where the king placed his banner on the city's [[Lighthouse of Alexandria|Lighthouse]], and then departed Egypt.{{sfn|Barber|2012|p=245}}