1-153-588 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Siege of Damietta, Egypt, 13th century (18th century). Strategically situated on the Nile Delta, Damietta was an important commercial centre for the Arab textile trade. Its capture was a military objective of the crusaders on several occasions, and was briefly in their hands in 1219-1221 and 1249-1250 (6th and 7th crusades). A chain is stretched across the harbour entrance to prevent invading vessels passing (centre left), while defenders fight off troops attacking a tower using scaling ladders mounted on ships (centre).