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Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
The High Middle Ages
Saladin
WHY HE MADE HISTORY Saladin was
the Muslim leader who fought King Richard
the Lion-Hearted during the Crusades. Even
though Saladin was a fierce opponent, he
was known for his fairness and mercy.
As you read the biography below, think about the
leadership qualities that Saladin showed.
What would you do if you were fighting to protect
your land from invaders? Would you help your
enemy during battle? That’s what Saladin did.
Saladin was born in Iraq around 1137. As a boy he was named Yusuf,
but as a man he earned the name Salah al-Din, meaning “Righteousness of
the Faith.” Saladin was deeply religious and believed that “Allah is with
those who do right.”
Saladin was 26 years old when he first fought beside his uncle against
the Crusaders. The Christians held the city of Cairo, and the Muslims
wanted them out. Each time Saladin’s army faced the Crusaders they were
beaten, until finally, in their fifth battle, the Muslims achieved victory.
Saladin’s uncle crowned himself the King of Egypt, but his rule did not last
long. In less than two months he was dead, the rumored victim of
poisoning. As a result, Saladin became the next King of Egypt.
Saladin went on to conquer many lands, uniting the Muslims and finally
driving the Christians out of Jerusalem, after 88 years of occupation by the
Franks. “When God gave me the land of Egypt,” he said, “I was sure that
he meant Palestine for me as well.”
This defeat was too much for the Christians, and they organized the
Third Crusade in 1189. This time Richard the Lion-Hearted came to
reclaim the Holy City. Saladin and Richard had a deep respect for each
other and each won several battles, but neither could completely defeat the
other. Then, in 1192, they fought what would be their last battle: the
struggle for control of the city of Jaffa.
Saladin’s army eventually weakened the Christians, and the Muslims
planned for their final victory. Saladin attacked at dawn and Richard’s
army fought bravely, even though they were greatly outnumbered. As
Saladin watched the battle from a hilltop, he saw Richard’s horse killed.
But instead of giving up, the English king continued to fight, standing
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 14
5
The High Middle Ages
Galleria degli Uffizi Florence/Dagil
Orti/The Art Archive
1137/38–1193
Name _____________________________ Class _________________ Date __________________
Biography
The High Middle Ages
shoulder to shoulder with his men. “How can this be?” said Saladin. “That
a king should be on foot with his men! It cannot be!” Then he turned to his
brother and said, “Take these two Arabian horses and lead them to him.
Tell him that I send them to him, and that a man so great as he should not
be in parts such as these, on foot, with his men.”
The battle raged into the night, and when it was over, Richard collapsed
with exhaustion and became gravely ill. The two great leaders, tiring of
war, began to speak of peace through their messengers. During the peace
talks, Saladin had fruit, ice, and medical help sent to Richard. In addition to
Saladin’s concern for Richard, he wanted to spy on the condition of his
enemy.
The two men finally came to an agreement. Jerusalem would remain
under Muslim control but Christian pilgrims would be allowed to travel
freely throughout the city. King Richard returned to England, and Saladin
returned to his home and family in Damascus. Less than a year later,
Saladin fell ill and died.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall Describe the relationship between Saladin and King Richard the LionHearted.
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2. Express a Point of View What would you have done if you had been the leader of
an army and saw your rival’s horse killed?
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ACTIVITY
Pretend you are a war correspondent and you are witnessing the last battle
of the Third Crusade. How would you report the story? Who would you
interview? Write your story on a separate piece of paper, using print and
online sources as needed. Remember to answer the questions who, what,
when, where, and how.
Original content Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Additions and changes to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor.
Full Survey Chapter 14
6
The High Middle Ages