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Assassins- Saladin
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Saladin, the deliverer of Jerusalem and a famously chivalric knight, was born in Tikrit, Iraq, in 1137. To many Muslims, Saladin was a great warrior and hero. Saladin delivered his people’s land out of Christian hands and recaptured the city of Jerusalem. From his hometown, Saladin was sent to Damascus to learn the art of war. When he finished his training, he took over his uncle’s role of defending Egypt from the Christian Crusaders. During this time, Egypt was in turmoil and had many changes in government. Also during this time, Saladin was commander of a Syrian army. However, there was another army of Shi`ite Muslims led by the caliph Al-Adid which meant Saladin did not have total influence in Egypt. After Al-Adid, died in 1171, Saladin became outright military leader in Egypt even though he still represented his lord, Nur ad-din. |
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While ruler of Egypt, Saladin boosted the economy and advanced his military strength. However Saladin was reluctant to make any significant military ventures while he was still a vassal of Nur ad-din. After the death of Nur ad-din in 1174, Saladin became the Sultan of Egypt and declared war upon the son of Nur ad-din, As-Salih Ismail. As-Salih Ismail fled and evaded Saladin until he was finally killed in 1181. Some speculate he was poisoned suggesting perhaps Saladin did finally triumph over his enemy. In fact, one reason the Assassins attempted to kill Saladin in the first place was because they were hired by As-Salih Ismail.
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