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Saladin

General

Saladin was the founding ruler of the Ayyubid Sultanate and the most prominent Muslim commander of the crusading era.

Profile

AttributeDetails
Full NameSalah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub
Bornc. 1137
Died1193
EraHigh Middle Ages
RoleSultan and commander
AllegianceAyyubid Sultanate
Known ForVictory at Hattin and recapture of Jerusalem
Major ConflictsThird Crusade theater
Historical SignificanceCentral figure of 12th-century Levantine warfare

Historical Context

Saladin unified major Muslim territories in Egypt and Syria before confronting Crusader states.

Role in Key Events

He defeated Crusader forces at Battle of Hattin, 1187 and opposed western kings during Siege of Acre, 1189-1191 and Battle of Arsuf, 1191.

Legacy

Saladin remains one of the most studied military and political leaders of the medieval Middle East.


Resources