Saladin Biography: Age, Siblings, Net Worth, Parents, Wife, Children, History, Cause of Death

Biography

Saladin, born Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub in 1137, was a renowned Kurdish Muslim leader and military strategist who emerged as a central figure during the Crusades.

As the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, he successfully unified much of the Muslim world and is best remembered for recapturing Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187 following his decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin.

Saladin became legendary not only for his military prowess but also for his chivalry, mercy, and sense of justice—qualities that earned him admiration from both Muslim contemporaries and Christian foes, including Richard the Lionheart. His rule extended across Egypt, Syria, and parts of Mesopotamia, and his legacy endures as a powerful symbol of Muslim unity, resistance, and honor.

Former Sultan of Egypt
Saladin
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub
Stage Name:	Saladin
Born:	1137 (age 56 years old)
Place of Birth:	Tikrit, Iraq
Died:	4 March 1193, Damascus, Syria
Nationality:	Egyptian
Education:	N/A
Height:	N/A
Parents:	Najm al-Din Ayyub, Sit Khatun
Siblings:	Taj al-Muluk Abu Sa’id Buri, Al-Adil I, Turan-Shah, Tughtakin ibn Ayyub, Rabi’a Khatun, Sitt al-Sham, Nur al-Din Shahanshah
Spouse:	Ismat ad-Din Khatun
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Al-Zahir Ghazi, Al-Aziz Uthman, Al-Afdal ibn Salah ad-Din, Yaq’ub ibn Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn, Ishaq ibn Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn, Da’ud ibn Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn, Mas’ud ibn Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn
Occupation:	Sultan • Militant
Net Worth:	$?? (USD)

Early Life & Education

Saladin, also known as Salahuddin Ayyubi, was born in Tikrit, modern-day Iraq, in 1137 (exact date unknown). He was of Kurdish ethnicity and followed Sunni Islam.

His father, Najm al-Din Ayyub, served as a military officer and governor, while his mother is Sit Khatun. Saladin grew up alongside several siblings: Taj al-Muluk Abu Sa’id Buri, Al-Adil I, Turan-Shah, Tughtakin ibn Ayyub, Rabi’a Khatun, Sitt al-Sham, and Nur al-Din Shahanshah, some of whom later held significant roles in the Ayyubid dynasty he founded.

Raised in a military family, Saladin’s early life involved frequent relocations, including to Mosul and Damascus, due to his father’s postings. This environment immersed him in governance and warfare from a young age.

His education was robust, encompassing Islamic theology, law, and sciences, taught by notable scholars of the time. He also trained rigorously in martial arts, horsemanship, and military tactics, skills that underpinned his later success as a commander.

Career

Saladin, also known as Salahuddin Ayyubi, began his rise to power under the Zengid dynasty, serving Nur al-Din, the ruler of Syria. Born in 1137, he entered military service alongside his uncle Shirkuh, a trusted general, gaining valuable experience during their campaigns in Egypt during the 1160s.

These missions aimed to curb the influence of both the Fatimid Caliphate and the Crusaders. Following Shirkuh’s death in 1169, Saladin was appointed vizier of Egypt, assuming effective control of the region under Nur al-Din’s nominal rule.

By 1171, Saladin had abolished the centuries-old Fatimid Caliphate, reinstating Sunni Islam and bolstering Egypt’s military and administrative institutions. After Nur al-Din’s death in 1174, he claimed the title of sultan and established the Ayyubid dynasty, unifying Egypt, Syria, and parts of Mesopotamia through a mix of diplomacy, military campaigns, and political acumen.

His most celebrated achievement came in 1187, when he decisively defeated the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin and recaptured Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in medieval history that cemented his reputation as a masterful strategist and commander.

Throughout the Third Crusade, Saladin clashed with Richard the Lionheart in a series of fierce battles, including the notable defeat at Arsuf in 1191. Despite setbacks, he successfully defended Jerusalem and maintained Muslim control over key territories. Revered for his honor, compassion, and fairness, Saladin often showed mercy to defeated enemies and invested in the well-being of his people, fostering justice and rebuilding infrastructure across his domain.

He passed away in 1193 in Damascus, remembered not only as a formidable military leader but also as a symbol of Muslim unity, chivalry, and statesmanship whose legacy endures to this day.

Personal Life

Saladin, born in 1137 in Tikrit, Iraq, lived until his death on March 4, 1193, in Damascus, at the age of 56. Historical records offer limited insight into his personal life, but some details about his family and physical traits are known.

Saladin married at least once, with his primary wife being Ismat ad-Din Khatun, whom he wed around 1157. Ismat, previously the wife of Nur al-Din, was a notable figure, though their personal relationship is scarcely documented. There are indications of other marriages or concubines, common for rulers of the time, but no definitive evidence confirms additional wives.

He had numerous children, primarily sons, several of whom played significant roles in the Ayyubid dynasty. His known sons include Al-Afdal ibn Salah ad-Din, Al-Zahir Ghazi, Al-Aziz Uthman, Yaq’ub ibn Salah al-Din, Ishaq ibn Salah al-Dīn, Da’ud ibn Salah al-Dīn, and Mas’ud ibn Salah al-Dīn, among others, with some sources estimating up to 17 children, though not all are well-documented. Daughters, if any, are rarely mentioned in historical accounts.

No reliable records describe Saladin’s height. Medieval sources, such as Ibn Shaddad’s chronicles, emphasize his leadership over physical attributes, though he was often portrayed as lean, agile, and commanding, fitting his role as a seasoned military leader.

Due to the focus on his political and military achievements in historical texts, personal details about Saladin’s family life remain sparse. His legacy is centered on his role as a unifier and defender of Islam.

Cause of Death

Saladin, also known as Salahuddin Ayyubi, died on March 4, 1193, in Damascus at age 56. The cause of his death was likely a fever, possibly typhoid, which weakened him over several weeks.

Historical accounts, including those by his biographer Ibn Shaddad, describe him falling ill after exhausting campaigns, with his condition worsening despite medical efforts.

His death marked the end of a remarkable career as a Muslim leader and Crusader opponent.

Net Worth

Saladin, or Salahuddin Ayyubi (1137–1193), did not have a “net worth” in the modern sense, as wealth in his era was tied to land, tribute, and military resources rather than liquid assets.

As sultan of the Ayyubid dynasty, he controlled vast territories, including Egypt, Syria, and parts of Mesopotamia, which generated significant revenue through taxes and trade. However, Saladin was known for his generosity, often distributing wealth to soldiers, allies, and the poor.

At his death, accounts like those of Ibn Shaddad note he left little personal wealth, with some claiming only a few dinars and no property, reflecting his focus on governance and jihad over personal accumulation.