The Capture of Jerusalem by Saladin - Essay Example

Saladin rose to power during the period of the Second and the Third Crusade. Saladin became a Sultan in 1174 through a coup and gained the reputation as a superior general. After he conquered Damascus and Syria, he led his army into Victory over the Crusader on the plain of Tiberias in 1187. Trouble was brewing in Crusader- ruled Jerusalem. Riddle by political intrigue and uncertain leadership, the Crusader were vulnerable to attack. Challiton undermined the peace treaties between the Muslims and the Crusaders.

Having his own Scimitar, Saladin promised to slain Reynuald of Chatillon. The rival troops rumbled over Jerusalem because there was a lot of tension and the Holy City was weakened. The Templar and Hospitaler Knights were continuously at logger heads. The battle of Hattin decimated the soldiers and Knight of the Latin States. On 2nd October 1187, Saladin captured the Holy city. The Muslims clambered up and removed the crosses that had been mounted by the Crusaders on the Cupola of the Dome of the Rock.

Islam controlled Jerusalem from that day until the 20th century. Challiton, who was a cruel Crusader Is known to have massacred Muslim pilgrims because they steps on his turf. This seems to have instigated Saladin and his army to capture Jerusalem in their vow to revenge the action of Challiton. Additionally, at that time Jerusalem had difficulties with their leadership and this made them predisposed to enemy attack. Saladin and his army took over the Holy Land. The significance of Jerusalem in Muslim lore increased over the years.

Saladin had sworn that he would stop killing the Christians after they had taken over the city. This story is of much significance at it gives a history of where the Muslims and the Christians started to have disputes each other. This is a conflict that is still taking place up to date. This story gives as the real facts of what events took place before Saladin, a Muslim leader took over Jerusalem .If we compare him to Challiton, the Crusader’s leader we can deduce that Saladin was a noble man that stood to his words.

His courage, moderation and justice were character traits that seemed to have earned him lasting respect. This reading gives a history of a famous leader, Saladin in relation to the fall of Jerusalem. I believe that Saladin had every right to take over Jerusalem as it was being managed by wicked leaders. The part I enjoyed most was the character displayed by Saladin. His adherence to the ideal of Justice and magnanimity as well as his leadership skills will be remembered for a long time. That is why the Christian regarded him as a non Christian enemy even though, he is a Muslim.

This reading offers great insights of ancient history and a clear reflection of what is happening currently regarding religious wars. It reminds me of independence how the citizens of this country came together to drive away the colonialist after realizing that there rights were suppressed. Work citedHalsall, Paul. "Capture of Jerusalem by Saladin, 1187." Medieval Sourcebook (1997).