Timeline: Saladin

Jan 1, 1138

Saladin is Born

Saladin is born in 1138. (Knight) He is born in the small town of Tikrit in modern day Iraq. (Axelrod) Saladin is born Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub. (Knight) Salah ad-Din means he who honors faith and Yusuf ibn Ayyub means Joseph son of Job. (Stanley)

Jan 1, 1138

Conrad III

Conrad III becomes the Holy Roman Emporer. He holds imperial power until 1152. (Timeline)

Apr 2, 1139

Second Lateran Council

Pope Innocent II called the Second Lateran Council to deal with seversl problems created by Anacletus II. A schism occured in the church because of Anacletus II but Anaclletus dies in 1138. (TImeline)

Jan 1, 1151

Change of Scenery

Saladin moves to the city of Aleppo. His uncle, Shirkuh ,lives there. Shirkuh serves under the Syrian king, Nur ad-Din. (Knight)

Jan 1, 1151

Toltec Empire

The Toltec Empire collapses in Mexico. (Timeline)

Jan 1, 1155

Saladin and Nur ad-Din

Nur ad-Din takes Saladin under his wing. Saladin is brought into Nur ad-Din innermost circle. (Knight) This prepares Saladin for the leadership role he will one day take on.

Jan 1, 1161

China

Explosives are used in China in battle.

Jan 1, 1169

Vizier of Egypt

Saladin's uncle, Shirkuh , dies as the vizier of Egypt and the power is passed down to Saladin. Saladin is put in a tough spot because he is given land that is Nur ad-Din without Nur ad-Din permission. Many saw it as a grab for power. They nicknamed Saladin "The dog who barks at his master" (Staneley).

Jan 1, 1173

Internal problems in England

Eleanor of Aquitaine leads a plot against King Henry II which fails.

Jan 1, 1174

Death of Nur ad-Din

Nur ad-Din's death helped Saladin greatly. Saladin was saved from all out war with Nur ad-Din. Nur ad-Din's death also leads to Saladin taking power. Nur ad-din's sons begin a civil war for power and Saladin jumps in. (Stanley)

Jan 1, 1182

France

Phillip II bans the Jews from France. (Timeline)

Jan 1, 1185

Civil War Ends

Saladin ends the war as the victor. He now controls a large empire. The largest Muslim Empire in many years. (Stanley)

Jan 1, 1187

First Frankish Confrontation

A Frankish knight attacked a Muslim caravan even though they were at peace. Saladin retaliates by attacking the knight's castle while he is away. His wife is captured. (Stanley)

Jan 1, 1189

Third Crusade Begins

The Holy Land is attacked by the French, the German, and the English. The French and the German leave soon after but the English stay for three years.