October 2

Saladin Captures Jerusalem — The Crusades Intensify

Saladin's Ayyubid forces captured Jerusalem from the Crusaders, 88 years after the First Crusade had taken it. Unlike the Crusaders, who had massacred the Muslim population in 1099, Saladin allowed Christian residents to ransom themselves and leave safely.

Jerusalem's fall shocked Christendom and triggered the Third Crusade, which pitted Saladin against Richard the Lionheart — two of history's greatest commanders.