Saladin Chose Mercy Over Massacre When Retaking Jerusalem 1187 | Muslim Leader Praised by Christian Enemies SALADIN CHOSE MERCY OVER MASSACRE. EVEN HIS ENEMIES CALLED HIM HONORABLE. October 2, 1187. Jerusalem. Saladin (Salah ad-Din) recaptured the holy city from the Crusaders. 88 years of Christian rule ended. The Context When Crusaders first took Jerusalem in 1099, they massacred an estimated 70,000 Muslims and Jews. Contemporary accounts describe streets running with blood. Survivors sold into

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