Saladin's Capture of Damascus

Timeline

1. 1174Damascus · SyriaAfter Nur al-Din's death, his young son al-Salih was nominal heir, while Aleppo and Mosul forces vied for control of Syria. After rejecting Mosul's aid, the Damascus authorities instead invited Saladin into the city to prevent it falling into hostile Zengid hands.
2. 1174Citadel of Damascus · DamascusSaladin led light cavalry north from Egypt, entering Damascus to popular acclaim on October 28, staying at his father's house and distributing money generously. The citadel commander Raihan initially refused to surrender; after a brief siege by his brother Tuqtekin, the citadel gates opened, and Saladin gained full control of Damascus, appointing his brother as governor.