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Saladin (Salah ad-Din) was born in Tikrit, Iraq, to a prominent Kurdish family. He would later become one of the most famous Muslim leaders in history and the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty.

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On December 24, 1144, Zengi, the governor of Mosul, laid siege to the city of Edessa. This key event marked the first major setback for the Crusader states in the Middle East.

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In response to the fall of Edessa, Pope Eugene III launched the Second Crusade. This marked the first major crusade led by European kings, including Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany. However, it ended in failure, without significant territorial gains.

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After serving under his uncle Shirkuh, Saladin was appointed as vizier of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt. This marked the beginning of his rise to power in the Islamic world.

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1171: Saladin Abolishes the Fatimid Caliphate

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1171: Saladin Abolishes the Fatimid Caliphate

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In a bold move, Saladin abolished the Shia Fatimid Caliphate and restored Sunni Islam in Egypt, declaring loyalty to the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad.

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1174: Saladin Becomes Sultan of Egypt and Syria

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1174: Saladin Becomes Sultan of Egypt and Syria

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Following the death of Nur ad-Din, Saladin consolidated his power and became the first Sultan of both Egypt and Syria, founding the Ayyubid dynasty.

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In a decisive victory, Saladin's forces defeated the Crusader army, capturing King Guy of Jerusalem and the relic of the True Cross. This battle marked a turning point in the history of the Crusades.

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Saladin captured Jerusalem from the Crusaders, ending the 88-year period of Christian rule. His merciful treatment of the city's inhabitants earned him respect from both Muslims and Christians.

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The fall of Jerusalem prompted Pope Gregory VIII to call for a new crusade. Three major European monarchs answered: Frederick I Barbarossa of Germany, Philip II of France, and Richard I (the Lionheart) of England.

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The German Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa drowned while crossing the Saleph River in Anatolia, dealing a significant blow to the Crusader cause. Most of his army returned to Germany.

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After a lengthy siege, the Crusaders, led by Richard the Lionheart and Philip II, captured the strategic coastal city of Acre from Saladin's forces. This became the new capital of the Crusader Kingdom.

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Richard I led the Crusader army to victory against Saladin's forces at Arsuf. This battle demonstrated Richard's tactical brilliance and earned him respect from Saladin.

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Richard and Saladin signed the Treaty of Jaffa, ending the Third Crusade. The agreement allowed Christian pilgrims to visit Jerusalem freely, while the city remained under Muslim control. This marked the development of a respectful rivalry between the two leaders.

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Saladin died in Damascus, having given away most of his wealth to the poor. He was buried in a mausoleum in Damascus, where his tomb remains a significant historical site today.

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In 1191, shortly after the Battle of Arsuf, Richard the Lionheart planned to capture Ascalon to secure the southern flank of the Crusader states. This strategic location ensured safer passage for Crusader reinforcements and supplies.