Saladin's Navy: The Muslim Fleet That Challenged Crusader Sea Power

Saladin is remembered for his cavalry, his siege engines, and his diplomacy, but what about his ships? In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the often-overlooked naval dimension of Saladin's campaigns. We dive into the construction of the Egyptian fleet under the Fatimids and its revival under Saladin, the key role of the Mediterranean ports like Alexandria and Damietta, and the dramatic naval battles against the Crusader fleets from Italy and the Latin East. Learn about the admiral Lu'lu', the use of Greek fire, the logistics of transporting troops and timber, and how Saladin's naval strategy shaped the outcome of the Third Crusade. We also uncover the challenges of maintaining a fleet in the 12th century—from shipbuilding materials to skilled crews—and why ultimately the Muslim navy remained a secondary force compared to the European powers at sea. A fresh perspective on the sultan who famously wrote: 'The sea is a wall that separates us from the enemy.' #Saladin #AyyubidNavy #MedievalNavalWarfare #ThirdCrusade #EgyptianFleet #Alexandria #Damietta #Lu'lu' #GreekFire #CrusaderFleet #MediterraneanHistory #MiddleEast #IslamicHistory #Ayyubid #Crusades #NavalHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo