Saladin vs Baldwin IV: The Leper King Who Defied the Sultan

The late 12th-century Crusades were significantly shaped by the conflict between Baldwin IV, the leper king of Jerusalem, and Saladin. Born circa 1138, Saladin ascended to the sultanate of Egypt and Syria after taking Damascus in 1174. That same year, Baldwin IV, at just 13, became king of Jerusalem and demonstrated his prowess as a military commander. In 1177, he achieved a remarkable victory against Saladin at the Battle of Montgisard, despite being outnumbered. However, Baldwin faced defeat at Marj Ayun in 1179. A truce established in 1180 collapsed in 1181 when Reynald of Châtillon attacked a Muslim caravan. Baldwin triumphed at the Battle of Le Forbelet in July 1182. He passed away in May 1185, and Saladin captured Jerusalem in 1187, with both leaders developing mutual respect.