Saladin is one of the best known figures of the Middle Ages, and this study makes use of hitherto neglected Arabic sources, including unpublished manuscript material - -notably the correspondence, both private and official, of Saladin's own court -to set the whole of Saladin's career and achievements, civil and military, within the specific framework of his age.
Saladin is one of the best known figures of the Middle Ages, and this study makes use of hitherto neglected Arabic sources, including unpublished manuscript material - -notably the correspondence, both private and official, of Saladin's own court -to set the whole of Saladin's career and achievements, civil and military, within the specific framework of his age.
Foreword;1. Early adventures; 2. Vizier of Egypt; 3. Lord of Egypt; 4. The shadow of Syria; 5. Independence; 6. From Egypt to Syria; 7. War and diplomacy; 8. Egyptian interlude; 9. Defeat and difficulties; 10. Consolidation and expansion; 11. Opportunities; 12. The capture of Aleppo; 13. Empire-building and the Holy War; 14. The end of empire; 15. Preparations; 16. Hattin; 17. The capture of Jerusalem; 18. Success and failure; 19. Crusaders at Acre; 20. The fall of Acre; 21. Stalemate; 22. Conclusion; Plan of Cairo; Maps; Notes; Bibliography; Index.