Saladin: The Third Crusade's Greatest General?

About this episode

The episode explores the historical figure Saladin and his role during the Third Crusade, featuring insights from Professor Jonathan Phillips.

The original Assassin’s Creed game focuses on the Assassins' efforts to bring down the Templars during the Third Crusade from 1189-1192. He encounters real figures from history, including Templar Grand Masters and Christian kings. One person who doesn’t appear as a character is the Muslim leader, Saladin. Nevertheless his presence - and his legend - is felt. The first Sultan of both Egypt and Syria, Saladin pushed back against the Christian Crusader Kingdoms and retook Jerusalem. His success led to the Third Crusade. He’s the reason Richard the Lionheart was in the Holy Land, and he was the sworn enemy of the Templars. To find out more about Saladin’s rise to power and his astonishing successes, I’m joined by the wonderful Professor Jonathan Phillips from Royal Holloway, University of London. He explains how Saladin rose to power, and may not have been as accomplished as his legendary reputation suggests. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Watch these interviews and exclusive videos on our YouTube channel . Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edited by: Michael McDaid Produced by: Robin McConnell, Matt Lewis Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff Production…

People in this episode

Host: Matt Lewis

Guest: Professor Jonathan Phillips

Topics covered

• Saladin
• Third Crusade
• history
• military leadership
• Crusades
• Assassin's Creed

Keywords

• Saladin
• Third Crusade
• Assassin's Creed
• Richard the Lionheart
• military history
• Crusader Kingdoms
• history podcast

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Royal Holloway, University of London, Ubisoft, History Hit

Books & works: Assassin’s Creed

Places: Egypt, Syria

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