Saladin

1137–1193 · Kurdish (Tikrit, modern-day Iraq / Cairo / Damascus) · Medieval Middle East, Crusades Era

Known for: Recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders and was respected by both Muslims and Christians for his chivalry

Saladin unified Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia under the Ayyubid dynasty, then recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187—ending 88 years of Christian rule. Unlike the Crusaders' massacre when they captured Jerusalem in 1099, Saladin allowed Christian inhabitants to leave peacefully.

He fought Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade to a stalemate, and the two enemies developed a grudging mutual respect. Saladin sent his personal physician and ice to Richard when he was ill during the campaign.

He died in Damascus at 56 with almost nothing to his name—he had given away his wealth to his subjects. When his treasurer opened his vault, he found only 47 dirhams and a single gold piece. A sultan who died poorer than a beggar.

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