Local Name: al-Malik al-Adil Sayf al-Din Abu-Bakr ibn Ayyub (الملك العادل سيف الدين أبو بكر بن أيوب)
Surnamed: "Sayf al-Din" (Sword of Faith)Date of Birth: June 1145
Parents: Najm ad-Din Ayyub
House: Ayyubid
Predecessor: Al-Afdal ibn Salah al-din
Reign: 1199 – 1218
Summary: Born in Damascus, the younger brother of Saladin, he was a member of a Kurdish division of the Seljuk army from 1168. He followed his uncle, Shirkuh, on campaign and when the emir of Damscus died in 1174, Al-Adil governed in his place for his brother, Saladin. With the Crusades reaching their prime, Al-Adil mobilized Syria's resources to support his brother's war effort. He was made governor of Aleppo in 1183 and then Egypt in 1186 during the Third Crusade. In 1192, he moved to the northern provinces near Antioch where he suppressed a revolt of 'Izz Al-Din when Saladin died in 1193. When Saladin's sons went into open warfare over the succession, he acted as final deciding voice in the conflict. In 1196, he took the emirate of Damascus as his own, using it as a base to expand his power. When Al-Aziz, Saladin's elder son, died, Al-Adil fought against the younger son, Al-Afdal. Al-Afdal eventually besieged Damascus in 1199 but the wily brother of Saladin not only reversed his misfortune, but defeated his nephew at the Battle of Bilbeis the next year. For his victory, he was proclaimed sultan of Egypt and Syria and ruled the small empire for twenty years.
As the sultan, he attempted to hold a peaceful relationship with the Crusader states. Much trade passed between the two realms during the long peace of 1200 to 1217. He annexed the emirate of Ahlat during this time, consolidating his power. When the Fifth Crusade erupted in 1217, Al-Adil quickly mobilized and began his defense of Palestine. Unfortunately, while on campaign, he died. His son, Malik Al-Kamil succeeded him. While Saladin is remembered for his wise leadership, much of his accomplishments were made true by the work of Al-Adil. The longevity of the dynasty was linked directly to his success as sultan and emir.
Date of Death: 31 August 1218As the sultan, he attempted to hold a peaceful relationship with the Crusader states. Much trade passed between the two realms during the long peace of 1200 to 1217. He annexed the emirate of Ahlat during this time, consolidating his power. When the Fifth Crusade erupted in 1217, Al-Adil quickly mobilized and began his defense of Palestine. Unfortunately, while on campaign, he died. His son, Malik Al-Kamil succeeded him. While Saladin is remembered for his wise leadership, much of his accomplishments were made true by the work of Al-Adil. The longevity of the dynasty was linked directly to his success as sultan and emir.
Successor: Al-Mu'azzam (in Damascus) and Al-Kamil (in Egypt)
Other Monarchs Who Died Today:
- Pacal II, ruler of the Maya of Palenque (683)
- Go-Horikawa, emperor of Japan (1234)
- Henry V, king of England (1422)
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