Saladin
Der Sultan und seine Zeit 1138-1193
📘 About This Book
Sultan Saladin von Ägypten und Syrien, der 1187 Jerusalem eroberte, war der bedeutendste Gegner der Kreuzfahrer. In Europa galt er lange als Urbild des «edlen Heiden» und aufgeklärter, toleranter Herrscher. Hannes Möhring beschreibt anschaulich das Leben Saladins und seinen Aufstieg zum mächtigsten Mann im Nahen Osten. Er stellt seine Rolle in den Kreuzzügen dar und geht den Grundlagen der europäischen Saladin-Legende nach.
📖 Summary
Hannes Mohring presents a compelling and concise historical examination of Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria who famously captured Jerusalem in 1187. Published in 2017 and spanning 132 pages, this book delves into the life and times of the most significant Muslim adversary faced by the European Crusaders. The narrative vividly traces Saladin's remarkable rise to power, charting how he systematically consolidated his authority to become the most formidable ruler in the Near East. Beyond his political and military dominance, the book explores Saladin's central role in the Crusades, analyzing the strategies, conflicts, and pivotal encounters that defined his interactions with the Christian military expeditions. In addition to recounting historical events, Mohring investigates the fascinating afterlife of Saladin's reputation in European culture. For centuries following the medieval conflicts, European perception largely transformed Saladin into the archetype of the noble pagan and an enlightened, tolerant ruler. The book carefully examines the origins and foundations of this enduring European Saladin legend, contrasting the romanticized myth with the complex historical reality of a medieval sovereign. By bridging the gap between actual historical deeds and subsequent cultural mythology, the text offers readers a comprehensive look at how one man left an indelible mark on both Islamic history and European imagination.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides a clear and vivid account of Saladin's life and rise to power
Offers a concise, accessible length suitable for quick reading
Explores the fascinating origins of the European Saladin legend
Examines the historical realities behind medieval Crusades
⚠️ Cons
The short page count may leave readers wanting more detailed analysis of specific battles
Focuses primarily on a broad overview rather than exhaustive archival deep dives
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of this book? +
The book was written by Hannes Mohring.
When was the book published? +
It was published in 2017.
How many pages are in the book? +
The book contains 132 pages.
What major historical event is Saladin most famous for in this context? +
Saladin is most famous for conquering Jerusalem in 1187.
How was Saladin traditionally viewed in Europe? +
In Europe, he was long regarded as the archetype of the noble pagan and an enlightened, tolerant ruler.
