Young Salahuddin
What was Salahuddin’s real name as a boy?
Yusuf ibn Ayyub
What battle used the desert to trap the Crusaders?
The Battle near Giza (Al-Babein)
Who was Salahuddin’s brave uncle and mentor?
Shirkuh
What two holy sites were important to Salahuddin in Jerusalem?
Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque
What subjects did Salahuddin study in Damascus?
Geometry, Algebra, Geography, Quran
At what age did Salahuddin move to Damascus?
15 years old
What battle did Salahuddin lose early in his career?
The Battle of Montgisard
Who betrayed Salahuddin’s army in Egypt?
Shawar
How many years did the Crusaders control Jerusalem before Salahuddin took it back?
88 years
What was a madrasa like in modern terms?
A high school or university
What was Salahuddin learning besides Quran?
Geometry, Algebra, and Geography
What trick did Salahuddin use at Giza to win?
He pretended to retreat and trapped the Crusaders
What powerful group tried to assassinate Salahuddin?
The Assassins
What day of the week did Salahuddin retake Jerusalem?
Friday
What promise did Salahuddin keep to protect Christian holy sites?
What promise did Salahuddin keep to protect Christian holy sites?
Who trained Salahuddin in sword fighting and military tactics?
His uncle, Shirkuh
What castle did Salahuddin destroy using a tunnel and fire?
Jacob’s Ford
Who kept attacking Muslim caravans?
Raynald of Châtillon (Ral of Shaon)
What special item did Crusaders carry, believing it would help them win?
The True Cross
What mistake did Salahuddin learn from after Montgisard?
He left enemy castles behind, which led to surprise attacks
Why did young Salahuddin want to become a warrior?
He was inspired by Nur al-Din’s victory over the Crusaders
What battle led to the surrender of King Guy and many Crusaders?
The Battle of Hattin
What did Salahuddin do after becoming ruler of Egypt?
Rebuilt hospitals, madrasas, and improved defenses
How did Salahuddin treat the people of Jerusalem after taking the city?
He showed mercy and let them leave peacefully
What title did Salahuddin take after ruling Egypt and Syria?
Sultan of Egypt and Syria