Landing in Ascalon (Premysloides Dynasty)

Prelude
Landing in Ascalon was part of great campaign strategy formed by Hulegu Khan and his commanders. Ascalon was assigned to be city captured by Roman Empire and part of Templars forces and to tie numerous Arab armies, until help arrive and to prevent Arabs from joining counter-attacks on Syrian and Mesopotamian Army.

Naval Combat
First stage of landing was swift and surprise attack of Roman Imperial Fleet under Philantropenos command. Philantropenos sacrificed few ships as decoy and they were able to lure thrity Mamluk ships, while core of naval forces attacked Palestine coasts. Imperial Fleet raided Arab ports, while naval transports landed Imperial Army and Templars in Ascalon ports.

Fight for City
Because of surprise and unexpected attack, invaders very soon reached total superiority and destroyed core of defenders. In city was about thousand Mamluk troops, while landing forces had 10,000 Roman and Templar soldiers and knights. But landing in Ascalon and capture of city was only very short and very easy part of whole campaign, as after fall of city, three-years long siege has started.

Aftermath
Most of city remained intact, as garrison was soon defeated and all civilians, except few surviving Christians, ran away. Also, from nearby areas, hundreds Christians with food and other supplies arrived to city and joined defense of city was support forces (suppliers, workers, doctors, fishermans, etc.) to help defenders secure medical and food support, enstrenght fortification and place artillery.