Saladin

Saladin was a Kurdish Muslim who, as Sultan of Egypt and Syria, fought and defeated Christian armies during the Crusades and recaptured the city of Jerusalem.

1. Proper name: Salah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub
2. Born: circa 1138
3. Died: March 4, 1193
4. Birth place: Tikrit, Iraq
5. Coronation: circa 1174
6. Subject of 2 assassination attempts by the Hashshashins

Born in Tikrit, Iraq in 1138, Saladin established a reputation as a fierce warrior and eventually took over defense of Egypt from his uncle, Shirkuh. In 1174, Saladin became the Sultan of Egypt and later that year conquered Syria as well. With both areas under his control, Saladin turned his attention to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which was under the control of Crusaders from Europe. In 1187, Saladin decimated the Crusader armies and recaptured the kingdom, executing many Knights Templar in the process. On October 2, 1179, the city of Jerusalem fell to Saladin.

After England launched the Third Crusade, led by Richard I, The Lionheart, Saladin was defeated in 1191. An agreement was reached whereby Jerusalem would remain in Muslim hands, but Christian pilgrimages to the city would be protected. Saladin died in 1193; the Ayyubid Dynasty which he founded would last for 57 years following his death.

• Muhlberger's Early History: The Legend of Saladin

• YouTube: Saladin Animation Movie Trailer (Time 8:15)

• IMDb: Naser Salah el Dine, El | Kingdom of HeavenWARNING: Pop-ups

• Outremer: The Man Who United the Tribes

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