Page "Al-Adil I" Paragraph 2

He was governor of Aleppo ( 1183 – 1186 ) but returned to administer Egypt during the Third Crusade ( 1186 – 1192 ); as governor of Saladin's northern provinces ( 1192 – 1193 ), he suppressed the revolt of ' Izz Al-Din of Mosul following Saladin's death ( March 1193 ), and played the role of kingmaker during the succession dispute among Saladin's sons Al-Aziz Uthman and Al-Afdal ( 1193 – 1196 ).

He was named governor of Damascus and used this base to expand his power, and championed the faction opposed to Al-Afdal's inept rule following Al-Aziz's death in 1198.

Although he was closely besieged in Damascus ( 1199 ), he defeated Al-Afdal at the Battle of Bilbeis in January 1200.

After his victory, he was proclaimed Sultan and ruled wisely and well over both Egypt and Syria for nearly two decades, promoting trade and good relations with the Crusader states ( 1200 – 1217 ).

He took Ahlat in 1207 and bring to Ahlatshahs.

He took the field again on hearing news of the Fifth Crusade, despite his advanced age ( 62, in the year 1217 ), and organized the defenses of Egypt and Palestine.

He fell ill and died while on campaign ( August 1218 ) and was succeeded by his son Malik Al-Kamil.