Why was Saladin a remarkable leader?

                Saladin was a famous military hero. His real name was Salah al Din Yusuf. He was Kurdish, hailing from Tikrit in Northern Iraq. He came to Egypt in 1168 as an assistant to his uncle, who was a general. After Saladin’s uncle died the next year, Saladin took power. In the late 12th century, he succeeded in uniting various parts of the Middle East and Mesopotamia, and in overtaking the Christian armies of the early crusades through a combination of shrewd diplomacy and decisive action. In 1187, Saladin recaptured Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin. When his soldiers entered the city of Jerusalem, they were not allowed to kill civilians, rob people, or damage the city.

                 Saladin’s capture of Jerusalem prompted King Richard to launch the Third Crusade. Though he came close, Jerusalem eluded Richard. After a year’s stalemate, Richard made a truce with Saladin, and started his journey home. In 1193, Saladin died in Damascus. Saladin had earned himself a remarkable place in history.