By divine inspiration, Baldwin III and the chief men of his kingdom decided to fortify part of the ancient city of Gaza, some ten miles south of Askalon. This would add one more to the net of fortresses surrounding Askalon and restricting raids from there. It would also serve to protect the southern frontier of Palestine, especially against armies from Egypt. The work went well, and the fortress was handed over to the Templars. By the spring of 1150, Baldwin could leave the site and return to Jerusalem. The Egyptians from now on went to Askalon by ship