In the first year of his reign Baldwin III heard that the Valley of Moses fortress in far Transjordan had been captured by Turks. Despite his youth, he levied troops, crossed the valley of the Dead Sea, and climbed to reach the castle, into which the whole population had withdrawn. The place was attacked, but proved very strong. Despairing of storming the fortress, Baldwin and his advisors saw that the area was full of olive trees, and began to destroy them. The locals despaired, and made terms: the Turks they called in should be allowed depart safely, and they themselves should not suffer death for their revolt. Thus Baldwin's first campaign was successful