Saladin's Naval Blunder: The Fleet That Failed

In 1179, Saladin built a fleet of 30 galleys to challenge Crusader naval power in the Mediterranean. It was a bold move, but it ended in flame and humiliation off the coast of Acre. This episode unpacks the story of that forgotten fleet: how Saladin, fresh from his victory at Jacob's Ford, tried to extend his reach to the sea, only to have his ships burned in a daring raid by the Franj. We explore the limits of Ayyubid naval power, the role of Italian maritime republics, and why Saladin never again risked a major fleet in open battle. Lucas and Luna also touch on the broader question of Islamic naval strategy in the twelfth century, the logistical challenges of building a navy from scratch, and how this failure shaped the Third Crusade. A revealing look at a side of Saladin's military genius that often gets overlooked. #Saladin #Ayyubid #NavalHistory #Crusades #Acre #Mediterranean #Fleet #Saracen #Franj #JacobFord #1179 #TwelfthCentury #MilitaryHistory #SeaPower #Levant #History #FexingoHistory #MedievalWarfare Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo