Saladin

Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb, aka Saladin, was the first Sultan of Syria and Egypt and a prime foe of Richard I of England, aka Richard the Lionhearted, a pompous tyrant who wished to bring destruction upon the Middle Eastern world during the Crusades. At the height of his power, Saladin ruled Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Hejaz, Yemen, and other parts of North Africa, making him a powerful figure on Earth at that time.

Saladin lived from 1137-1193 PLF, and during his lifetime he united the territories under his rule and led them in successful defence of their homeland against the Crusaders. In order to protect their religion and their land, Saladin's forces clashed with Richard I of England and Philip II of France on many battlefields across the Middle East, including Hattan and Palestine.

Saladin was known for his democratic prowess as well as his military leadership, and he was able to conquer Syria in 1174 by peacefully entering Damascuc at the request of its ruler. Saladin's chivalrous nature was also revered and respected, the irony being that he was more chivalrous than most of the knights he fought in battle. He won the respect of many of his foes, including Richard I, and after his death he gave most of his wealth to his subjects.