On This Day – October 2, 1187: Salahuddin Conquers Jerusalem

On October 2, 1187, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi (Saladin) achieved one of the defining victories of the medieval world when he recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders. This came shortly after his success at the Battle of Hattin, which had broken Crusader power in the region.

What made this moment especially historic was not just the conquest itself, but Salahuddin’s conduct. In contrast to the brutality of the Crusaders when they first took the city in 1099, he allowed Christian residents to leave safely, protected holy places, and granted freedom of worship. His fairness and restraint earned him respect even from his adversaries.

The fall of Jerusalem reshaped the course of the Crusades, leading to the launch of the Third Crusade in Europe. More than eight centuries later, Salahuddin’s legacy endures as a symbol of justice, mercy, and principled leadership in times of conflict.