Saladin

Kurdish conqueror of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Saladin believed in jihad (holy war) – the Muslim equivalent of the crusades. He conquered Syria 1174–87, and recovered Jerusalem from the Christians in 1187, sparking the Third Crusade (1191–92). The Christian army, headed by Philip II of France and Richard (I) the Lion-heart of England retook Acre in 1191, but Saladin was a brilliant general and the Third Crusade, although inflicting some defeats, achieved little. In 1192 he made peace with Richard (I) the Lionheart, left fighting alone after quarrels with his allies.

Saladin was recognized, even by his opponents, for his knightly courtesy, piety, and justice. His administration also improved communications, leaving behind a network of roads and canals, and built many citadels (castle or city strongholds).