Episodes
Saladin's Secret Weapon: The Siege Engines of 1187
Before the Horns of Hattin, Saladin's engineers were the unsung heroes. This episode digs into the siege warfare that cracked Crusader castles and cities — the mangonels, trebuchets, and counterweight artillery that made the Ayyubid army unstoppable. We follow the 1187 campaign from the fall of Tiberias to the gates of Jerusalem, where Saladin's engineers breached walls that had defied his father. Along the way, we meet the men who built and aimed these machines — the 'engineers of the…
Saladin's Secret Weapon: The Spice Routes
While Saladin's battles and treaties are legendary, this episode digs into the quieter engine of his power: the vast trade in spices, silk, and gold that flowed through his empire. From the markets of Cairo to the caravanserais of Damascus, we trace how Saladin's control of the Red Sea and overland routes bankrolled his armies and his generosity. We meet the merchants, the customs officials, and the women who managed the caravans, and we see how a single pepper shipment could fund a siege.…
Saladin's Camel Caravan: The Beast That Won a War
In the summer of 1187, Saladin assembled an army of nearly thirty thousand men, but the true engines of his campaign were not swords or siege towers—they were the thousands of camels that carried water, grain, and arrows across the desert. This episode follows the logistics of the Ayyubid war machine, from the great camel caravans that shadowed the army to the water-bearers who kept men alive under the Syrian sun. We look at the role of the qadi al-Fadil, who organised the supply trains, and…
Saladin's Water: Wells, Cisterns, and the Logistics of Crusade
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dig into the hidden backbone of Saladin's military campaigns: water. From the scorched earth strategy that denied Crusader wells to the cleverly engineered cisterns of Ayyubid fortresses, water shaped every move in the Levant. Lucas walks through the strategic importance of the Jordan River, the bitter fight over the springs of Hattin, and how Saladin's army carried water across the desert using camels and goatskins. He also reveals the role of Bedouin guides…
Saladin's Generosity: The Sultan Who Paid His Own Ransom
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore a little-known chapter of Saladin's life: his personal financial troubles. While the sultan was famous for his magnanimity to rivals and generosity to his court, he often struggled to pay his own troops and even his own ransom. Through the accounts of Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, we learn how Saladin's open-handedness created a constant tension between his ideals and his coffers. From the siege of Acre to the…
Saladin's Forgotten Siege of Tyre: The Turning Point
In 1187, Saladin's armies were sweeping across the Holy Land. But at the coastal fortress of Tyre, a previously obscure crusader named Conrad of Montferrat turned the tide. This episode dives into the siege that changed everything: how Conrad outsmarted Saladin's forces, the failure of the Muslim fleet, and the battle of wills between the sultan and a determined Italian lord. Through the words of Baha ad-Din and Imad ad-Din, we explore the tactical decisions, the diplomatic overtures, and the…
Saladin's Emirs: Loyalty and Betrayal in the Ayyubid Court
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the intricate web of loyalty and betrayal that surrounded Saladin during the Third Crusade. Though Saladin is often remembered for his military genius and generosity, his authority rested on a fragile coalition of Kurdish, Turkish, and Arab emirs, each with their own ambitions. From his trusted brother al-Adil to his ambitious nephew Taqi al-Din, and the formidable Zengid prince Izz al-Din of Mosul, Saladin's court was a constant…
Saladin's General: Taqi al-Din's Rise and Fall
In this episode, we explore the life and career of Taqi al-Din 'Umar, Saladin's brilliant nephew and one of his most trusted commanders. From his early days in Egypt to his pivotal role at the Battle of Hattin and his campaigns against the Crusaders, Taqi al-Din's story is one of loyalty, ambition, and the complexities of Ayyubid politics. We also delve into his governorship of Aleppo, his rivalry with al-Adil, and the mystery surrounding his sudden death in 1191. Drawing on the chronicles of…
Saladin's Siege of Kerak: A Wedding Interrupted
In 1183, while the Franj nobles gathered at Kerak for a royal wedding, Saladin's army surrounded the fortress in a bid to crush Reynald de Châtillon once and for all. This episode unpacks the dramatic siege, the bride's role in the negotiations, and the larger stakes for the Crusader states. We explore the fortress's formidable defenses, the desperate message to Baldwin IV, and the arrival of the leper king's relief force. Drawing on chronicles by Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din…
Saladin's Generosity: The Sultan Who Gave Away a Kingdom
In this special 200th episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the legendary generosity of Saladin, the Muslim leader who recaptured Jerusalem in 1187. They trace how his open-handedness was both a personal virtue and a political strategy, from his early days in Egypt to his final years in Damascus. The episode looks at his famous acts — ransoming prisoners, gifting robes and horses, even sparing the life of his enemy Guy de Lusignan — and questions whether this generosity bordered on…
Saladin's Generals: The Men Behind the Victory
In this episode, Lucas and Luna look past Saladin himself to the commanders who won his battles. From the cautious Taqi al-Din, his nephew, who held the left wing at Hattin and later took on the Armenians, to the steady al-Adil, whose diplomacy and siegecraft secured Egypt and Syria. We explore how Saladin's Ayyubid family network functioned as a military machine, how they coordinated sieges like Jacob's Ford, and how the rivalries among them almost undid the empire. We also consider the…
Saladin's Poets: Propaganda and the Pen
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore how Saladin wielded poetry and prose as weapons of war. From the eloquent letters of al-Qadi al-Fadil to the chronicles of Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, they reveal how the Ayyubid sultan crafted his image for both Muslim courts and European rivals. Discover the role of the Diwan al-Insha, the chancery that spun victories into legend, and how Saladin's generosity was as much a political tool as his sword. The episode touches on the poetic…
Saladin's Court Physician: Maimonides and Coexistence
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the remarkable relationship between Saladin and the Jewish philosopher-physician Moses Maimonides. Set against the backdrop of the Ayyubid court in Cairo and the broader crusading era, they discuss how Maimonides—fleeing Almohad persecution in al-Andalus—found refuge in Saladin's Egypt, became a trusted physician to the sultan's family, and wrote his most influential works there. The conversation touches on the intellectual vibrancy of…
Saladin's Court: Poets, Scholars, and the Art of Generosity
Saladin is remembered for his military genius, but what kept his Ayyubid realm running between battles? This episode looks at the civilian side of his rule: the bustling courts of Cairo and Damascus where poets recited, jurists debated, and secretaries like al-Qadi al-Fadil shaped policy. We explore how Saladin used patronage to build loyalty, why he surrounded himself with scholars like Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, and how his famous generosity extended beyond captives to everyday subjects. From…
Saladin's Diplomatic Gambit: The Treaty of Ramla 1192
In 1192, after years of bloody conflict, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin negotiated a peace that would shape the Middle East for centuries. This episode follows the twists of that diplomatic dance — from the battlefields of Jaffa to the quiet chambers where envoys hammered out terms. We explore the roles of key figures like al-Adil, Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, and how Saladin's strategic patience and Richard's desperation led to a truce that neither fully trusted. We…
Saladin's Naval Blunder: The Fleet That Failed
In 1179, Saladin built a fleet of 30 galleys to challenge Crusader naval power in the Mediterranean. It was a bold move, but it ended in flame and humiliation off the coast of Acre. This episode unpacks the story of that forgotten fleet: how Saladin, fresh from his victory at Jacob's Ford, tried to extend his reach to the sea, only to have his ships burned in a daring raid by the Franj. We explore the limits of Ayyubid naval power, the role of Italian maritime republics, and why Saladin never…
Saladin and the Knights Templar: Betrayal at Hattin
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's complex relationship with the Knights Templar, from their early clashes to the pivotal betrayal at the Horns of Hattin in 1187. They discuss the Templars' military prowess, their role in the Crusader states, and the controversial execution of Templar prisoners after the battle. Drawing on chroniclers like Baha ad-Din and Imad ad-Din, they examine the legend of the Templars' last stand and Saladin's calculated mercy—and its limits. They also…
Saladin's Generosity: Ransom, Mercy, and Chivalry
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's legendary generosity and mercy, focusing on his treatment of captives after the Battle of Hattin in 1187 and the surrender of Jerusalem. They discuss the ransom of Guy de Lusignan, his kindness to Balian of Ibelin, the story of the old woman who received a gift, and how his chivalry was recorded by Muslim chroniclers like Baha ad-Din and Imad ad-Din, as well as by Western sources. They also touch on his diplomatic gifts to Richard the Lionheart…
Saladin's Nemesis: Reynald de Châtillon and the Breaking of the Truce
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the life and provocations of Reynald de Châtillon, the crusader lord whose raids and broken truces pushed Saladin toward war. From his capture by Nur al-Din to his infamous Red Sea piracy threatening Mecca, Reynald's actions directly led to the Battle of Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem. Discover how one man's defiance shaped the course of the Crusades, and why Saladin personally executed him after Hattin. Featuring details on Kerak…
Saladin's Defeat at Arsuf 1191: The Battle That Changed the Third Crusade
In September 1191, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin faced off at Arsuf in one of the most decisive battles of the Third Crusade. This episode goes inside the clash: Richard's disciplined march down the coast, Saladin's relentless harassment, the moment the Hospitallers broke ranks and charged, and the Ayyubid army's near-victory turned to rout. We examine the tactical genius on both sides, the role of al-Adil and the Muslim light cavalry, and why this battle—not the famous Treaty of…
Saladin and the Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir: A Fragile Alliance
When Saladin conquered Jerusalem in 1187, he was the most powerful Muslim ruler of his age. Yet he never fully won the trust of the man who could legitimize his rule: the Abbasid caliph al-Nasir li-Din Allah. This episode explores the tense and complex relationship between the sultan and the caliph, from Saladin's overthrow of the Fatimids to al-Nasir's secret dealings with the Assassins and his refusal to back the jihad. We also look at how the caliph's suspicion shaped Saladin's diplomacy…
Saladin's Siege of Acre: The Epic Two-Year Struggle
During the Third Crusade, the coastal city of Acre became the focal point of a brutal two-year siege (1189–1191) that pitted Saladin's Ayyubid forces against a coalition of European crusaders led by King Guy of Lusignan, and later King Richard the Lionheart and King Philip Augustus. This episode explores the double siege—Crusaders trapped between the city walls and Saladin's encircling army—the naval blockade by Italian maritime republics, the roles of key figures like al-Adil and Baha ad-Din…
Saladin's Secret Alliance with the Byzantine Empire
In 1185, Saladin sent a diplomatic embassy to Constantinople, forging a surprising alliance with Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos against the Seljuk Turks. This episode explores the negotiations, the proposed marriage between al-Adil and a Byzantine princess, the joint military campaign that never fully materialized, and how this détente shaped the Third Crusade. Drawing on the chronicles of Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, we uncover a moment when cross-cultural diplomacy…
Saladin's Egypt: From Vizier to Sultan
Before the great victories at Hattin and Jerusalem, Saladin first had to conquer Egypt. This episode traces his early career from a young Kurdish officer in the army of his uncle Shirkuh to becoming vizier of the Fatimid caliphate and eventually its destroyer. We explore the political chaos of Fatimid Egypt, the crusader invasion of 1168, the assassination attempt of 1174, and how Saladin built a Sunni state on the Nile. Discover how the wealth of Egypt funded his jihad, how he constructed the…
Saladin's Spy Network: The Intelligence That Won the Crusades
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the forgotten intelligence network behind Saladin's greatest victories. From homing pigeons and signal fires to Bedouin scouts and a sophisticated postal system (barid), the Ayyubid sultan built a spy web that outmaneuvered the Crusaders at every turn. Learn how al-Qadi al-Fadil managed a cadre of informants, how propaganda letters demoralized Frankish lords, and why the intelligence failure at Tyre nearly cost Saladin the war. Drawing…
Saladin's Forgotten Victory: The Battle of Jacob's Ford 1179
Long before Hattin, Saladin faced a formidable threat: a massive Templar fortress rising at Jacob's Ford, a strategic crossing of the Jordan River. In 1179, the young sultan laid siege to Chastellet, the Templars' castle, in a brutal contest of sappers, mango-nels, and sheer will. This episode dives into the construction of the fortress, Saladin's determined assault, and the tragic relief attempt by King Baldwin IV, already ravaged by leprosy. We explore the military tactics—how Saladin's…
Saladin's Right Hand: The Strategic Mind of al-Adil
Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem in 1187 and his long struggle against the Crusaders would have been impossible without his brother al-Adil. This episode explores the career of Sayf al-Din Abu Bakr, better known as al-Malik al-Adil — the prince who served as Saladin's most trusted commander, diplomat, and governor. From his early campaigns in Egypt and Syria to his key role negotiating the Treaty of Ramla with Richard the Lionheart, al-Adil was the strategist who kept the Ayyubid state running…
Saladin and the True Cross After Hattin
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the fate of the True Cross after Saladin's victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1187. They discuss the relic's symbolic importance to the Crusaders, how its capture shattered morale, and what historical accounts say about what Saladin actually did with it. Was it sent to Damascus, ransomed, or destroyed? The episode examines conflicting sources from both Muslim and Christian chroniclers, including Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, and the…
Saladin's Final Days and the Succession Crisis
In early 1193, less than a year after signing the Treaty of Ramla with Richard the Lionheart, Saladin fell gravely ill in Damascus. This episode follows his final weeks through the eyes of his chronicler Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad. We explore the mysterious illness that struck the sultan, his lingering political preoccupations—especially the fate of Jerusalem and the unresolved tensions with the Franj—and the succession struggle that erupted after his death. Saladin had divided his empire among…
Saladin's Siege of Jerusalem 1187 Negotiation and Surrender
In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the dramatic siege of Jerusalem in September-October 1187, focusing on the negotiations between Saladin and Balian of Ibelin that led to the city's surrender. Drawing on accounts from Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, they explore the desperation within the city, the terms of the ransom, the role of Queen Sibylla, and Saladin's controversial decision to let the Franj leave rather than storm the walls. The discussion also touches on…
Saladin's Kurdish Identity and the Rise of the Ayyubids
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's Kurdish heritage and how it shaped the Ayyubid dynasty. From his early career under Nur al-Din Zengi to the consolidation of power after capturing Jerusalem in 1187, Saladin navigated a complex political landscape where ethnicity, tribal loyalty, and religious authority intersected. We delve into the role of Kurdish soldiers and commanders in his army, the influence of his Kurdish upbringing on his diplomacy and justice, and…
Saladin's Forgotten General: Taqi al-Din at Hattin
Saladin's nephew Taqi al-Din Umar commanded the right wing at the Battle of Hattin and led the charge that sealed the fate of the Crusader army. But his story goes far beyond that single day. In this episode, we explore Taqi al-Din's role as a military commander, governor of Aleppo, and would-be successor. We trace his campaigns against the Crusaders and his rivalry with al-Adil, using chronicles from Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani. Learn how Taqi al-Din's death in 1191…
Saladin vs the Hashishin: The Assassins of Masyaf
In Episode 177, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's forgotten enemy: the Nizari Ismaili state, better known as the Assassins. Based in their fortress of Masyaf under the legendary Rashid al-Din Sinan, the Old Man of the Mountain, these agents of political murder twice confronted Saladin. In 1174–75, Sinan's envoys forced a truce after a tense standoff; in 1176, Saladin's siege of Masyaf was broken by a mysterious threat—perhaps an assassin's knife left on his pillow. Drawing on Baha ad-Din ibn…
Saladin's Forgotten Wives and Daughters: Ayyubid Women Behind the Sultan
This episode of Fexingo History explores the women in Saladin's life — his wives, concubines, and daughters — who played crucial roles in Ayyubid politics and diplomacy. Drawing from Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, and Ibn al-Athir, we discuss Saladin's marriage to Ismat ad-Din Khatun, the widow of Nur ad-Din Zengi, and how that union solidified his legitimacy. We also examine his wives al-Afdal's mother and al-Zahir's mother, as well as his sisters who married into rival…
Saladin's Forgotten Enemy: The Battle of Montgisard 1177
Before Hattin, before the conquest of Jerusalem, there was Montgisard. In 1177, a teenage leper king—Baldwin IV of Jerusalem—led a desperate charge against Saladin's army near Ramla and shattered it. This episode explores that stunning defeat, the first major clash between Saladin and the Crusader kingdom, and how it shaped the sultan's later strategy. We examine the sources: William of Tyre, Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, and the Latin chronicles. We discuss Saladin's overconfidence, Baldwin's…
Saladin's Forgotten Poet: How Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani Shaped His Legend
Beyond the battlefield, Saladin cultivated a court of brilliant scholars who chronicled his jihad. Chief among them was Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, a Persian-born secretary and poet whose vivid writings became the primary source for Saladin's campaigns. This episode explores how al-Isfahani's literary genius—his epistles, his rhymed prose, and his eyewitness account of the fall of Jerusalem—crafted the image of Saladin as a pious, just, and merciful ruler that survives today. We examine his role…
Saladin's Forgotten Siege of Tyre 1187
After the crushing victory at Hattin in 1187, Saladin swept through the Kingdom of Jerusalem, capturing city after city. But one stubborn port held out: Tyre. Led by the resourceful Conrad of Montferrat, the city became a rallying point for the Crusader remnant. In this episode, we explore why Saladin failed to take Tyre, how Conrad fortified the city with refugees from Acre, and how that single failure allowed the Third Crusade to land. We look at the naval tactics, the diplomatic offers, and…
Saladin's Library: The Books That Fueled a Jihad
In this episode, we explore the intellectual side of Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub — Saladin as a patron of books and libraries. Drawing on accounts from Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, we uncover how the sultan built a vast collection of manuscripts, from Qur'anic commentaries to poetry and military manuals. We discuss his personal love of reading, the famous library he established in Cairo, and how books were used to unite scholars and justify jihad. The episode also…
Saladin's Justice: The Qadi and Muslim Law in Jerusalem
After capturing Jerusalem in 1187, Saladin faced the challenge of restoring Islamic governance to a city that had been under Crusader rule for 88 years. This episode explores how the sultan appointed a chief qadi, or judge, to administer justice according to Sharia law, and how that legal system functioned alongside the existing Christian and Jewish communities. We look at the role of Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, who later became Saladin's biographer and served as a qadi in his court, and the legal…
Saladin's Forgotten Peace: The Treaty of Ramla 1192
After three years of brutal war, Saladin and Richard the Lionheart sat down to negotiate. The Treaty of Ramla, signed in September 1192, is often overshadowed by the battles of Arsuf and Jaffa. But this agreement defined the borders of the Crusader states for the next century. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the terms: who got what, why Saladin agreed to leave Crusader ports intact, and how the treaty balanced Muslim control of Jerusalem with Christian pilgrimage rights. They discuss…
Saladin's Forgotten Rival: The Rise of the Zangids
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore Saladin's complex relationship with the Zangid dynasty, the rival Sunni Muslim rulers who controlled Syria and Mosul. We look at the Battle of the Springs 1175, where Saladin defeated the combined Zangid army at Hamah, and the diplomatic maneuvering with caliphs, regents, and rival emirs. Discover how the Zangid regent Gümüshtekin, the atabeg of Mosul, and the caliph al-Mustadi all played roles in shaping Saladin's early years. We also discuss the siege…
Saladin's Forgotten Architect: The Man Who Rebuilt Jerusalem
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked figure behind Saladin's greatest triumph: the architect and engineer who oversaw the restoration of Jerusalem's holy sites after the city fell in 1187. While the sultan's military campaigns are well known, the man responsible for repairing the Dome of the Rock, rebuilding the city walls, and restoring the aqueducts remains a shadowy figure. Drawing on accounts from Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, we piece together the life of…
Saladin vs the Franj: The Battle of Hattin 1187
In this episode, we revisit the pivotal Battle of Hattin (July 4, 1187), where Saladin crushed the Crusader army and seized Jerusalem. Drawing on the chronicles of Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad, Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, and Ibn al-Athir, we examine the tactical decisions, the role of the Horns of Hattin, the capture of the True Cross, and the aftermath that led to the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. We also discuss Saladin's treatment of captives, including the controversial execution of Raynald de…
Saladin's Treasury Crisis: How the Sultan Paid for His Jihad
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the often-overlooked financial side of Saladin's campaigns. After the epic victory at Hattin and the recapture of Jerusalem, the sultan faced a daunting challenge: paying his armies, maintaining fortresses, and governing a sprawling empire without a steady income. Drawing from the chronicles of Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Imad ad-Din al-Isfahani, they delve into Saladin's innovative use of war booty, the restructuring of the Diwan al-Mal (treasury), the…
Saladin's Siege of Kerak 1183 The Battle That Never Happened
In this episode, we explore the dramatic showdown between Saladin and Raynald de Châtillon at the fortress of Kerak in 1183. Unlike the famous Battle of Hattin, this siege never reached a climax—Saladin withdrew after a series of failed assaults and a bold Crusader relief force led by Guy of Lusignan. We delve into the military tactics, the political stakes, and the personal rivalry that simmered for years. Discover how Kerak, once a symbol of Crusader defiance, became a flashpoint for war. We…
Saladin's Forgotten Commander: The Battle of Arsuf 1191
When Saladin faced Richard the Lionheart at Arsuf in September 1191, he suffered his first major defeat in open battle. But the story is more complex than a simple Christian victory. This episode unpacks the tactical decisions, the role of Saladin's commanders like Taqi ad-Din and al-Adil, the devastating charge of the Crusader cavalry, and how the battle reshaped the Third Crusade. We explore why Saladin's carefully laid ambush failed, how Richard's discipline held, and what the aftermath…
Saladin's Friday Prayer at the Dome of the Rock 1187
On October 2, 1187, Saladin entered Jerusalem and made history by reclaiming the city for Islam after 88 years of Crusader rule. But rather than a vengeful conqueror, he ordered restraint—sparing civilians, protecting churches, and personally leading Friday prayer at the Dome of the Rock. This episode dives into the careful planning behind that prayer: how Saladin's team restored the sacred site, cleansed it of Christian additions, and delivered a sermon that echoed across the Muslim world. We…
Saladin's Forgotten Siege of Acre 1189-1191 The Turning Point
When the Third Crusade arrived in the Holy Land, the crusaders' first target was Acre — a city Saladin had captured two years earlier. But the siege that followed turned into one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the entire Crusades, lasting from August 1189 to July 1191. In this episode, we explore the opening moves of the siege: how Guy of Lusignan, recently released from captivity, gathered a small force and camped outside Acre, defying Saladin's superior army. Why did Saladin allow…
Saladin's Spies: The Intelligence Network Behind the Jihad
Saladin's military victories are well known, but behind every successful campaign was a sophisticated intelligence network that gathered information, intercepted messages, and turned enemy agents. This episode explores the spies, secret codes, and double agents that gave Saladin an edge over the Crusaders, including his use of carrier pigeons and the role of his trusted spymaster, al-Qadi al-Fadil, who also ran his chancery. We look at specific operations: how Saladin learned of Crusader plans…
Saladin's Forgotten Brother: Al-Adil and the Family Behind the Sultan
While Saladin is celebrated as the great sultan who recaptured Jerusalem, his brother al-Adil played a crucial role behind the scenes. This episode explores al-Adil's military and diplomatic career: how he governed Egypt, negotiated with Richard the Lionheart, managed the Ayyubid succession, and ultimately became sultan himself. We dive into his relationship with Saladin, his campaigns against the Crusaders, and his reputation among contemporaries like Baha ad-Din ibn Shaddad and Ibn al-Athir.…
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