Saladin

Saladin led the Muslims in the the Third Crusade (Santosuosso 216). Although he was part of the Crusades he was known for his merciful nature by both sides of the war.


Saladin was born in the year 1138. He was the son of Najm ad-Din Ayyub. Saladin had more interest in religious pursuits, but his life changed when he joined his uncle, who was a military commander, when he was thirty-one years of age, he was not only the vizier of Egypt, but also the commander of the troops of Syria.


Saladin wanted to bring the Muslims of Palestine, Macedonia and Syria under his rule. In 1187, Saladin led a conquest to reconquer Jerusalem, that had been the Crusader's eighty eight years earlier. However, this time the city was conquered without as much blood loss among the soldiers of the two armies.


Although the Assassins tried to kill him, Saladin was able to evade them. Saladin was a very merciful ruler, and was very well known among the Christians and his own people(Mills 191). He died in 1193. He had a fever and over a few days he slipped into unconsciousness and eventually died.


Saladin was a famous among his people as well as the Christians (Mills 191). He was a merciful ruler even though he did take part in the Crusades. He eventually died in 1193.


Mills, Dorthy. The Middle Ages. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1935.

Santosuosso, Antonio. Barbarians, Marauders, and Infidels: The Ways of Medieval Warfare. Westview Press, 2004.