When a Templar knight, Gauthier du Maisnil, was accused of murdering an Assassin dignitary to King Amalric, Odo refused to hand him over.

Its position and impregnability made it a thorn in Saladin's side and he offered considerable amounts of money to have it destroyed.

His forces broke on the fortress's thick walls, and the fierce fighting of the Templars stationed there scored heavy losses on the Muslims.

Not only were Odo's victories important from a military standpoint, but they were vital in gaining fresh pledges of money and resources from homeland countries in Europe.

Inspired by the Templars' sensational victory at Montgisard, Renaud, Lord of Margat, donated half of the income from several of his cities to the order's cause.