Jerusalem is the epicenter for Christian, Muslim, and Jewish theology. This city is one of the oldest in the world and for much of its history has been a sought after territory, switching between the hands of Christians and Muslims.
On this day October 2nd, in 1187, after 88 years of Crusader rule, Jerusalem is captured by the Muslim Sultan Saladin. Saladin was a pious Sunni, respected widely even the Christian world.
Saladin became known for his chivalry, so instead of being hated, he was a respected enemy. Saladin led the Battle of Hattin and won. This led to the Siege of Jerusalem, which began September 20th and ended 12 days later. Men inside the walls of Jerusalem were allowed to leave if they paid a hefty ransom; otherwise they were sold into slavery. A few years after Jerusalem was captured, the Third Crusades began – to win Jerusalem back.