The Betrayal at Arsuf focuses on the fictional betrayal plot surrounding the Battle of Arsuf.

Arsuf was a ‘key strategic city’ and that its capture would weaken Saladin's control of the coast, bringing the Crusaders closer to Jerusalem.

This aligns with the historical understanding of Arsuf's importance. Its coastal location meant it played a vital role in controlling trade routes and supply lines in the region.

For the Crusaders, capturing Arsuf would provide:

• A secure port for reinforcements and supplies arriving from Europe.
• A base from which to launch further campaigns inland towards Jerusalem.
• A blow to Saladin's logistical capabilities by disrupting his coastal control.

Therefore, Arsuf was not merely a symbolic target; its capture had tangible strategic implications for the Crusader campaign. The battle fought there was a pivotal moment in the Third Crusade, with Richard the Lionheart's victory securing a vital foothold for the Christian forces in the Holy Land.