Salahuddin was born in the twelfth century into a Kurdish family connected to military and political service in the Islamic world. His father, Najm al-Din Ayyub, was an important political figure.
Salahuddin initially served under his uncle Shirkuh, a commander who participated in campaigns in Egypt. These experiences helped Salahuddin gain military and political influence.
In 1169, after Shirkuh's death, Salahuddin became vizier of Egypt. He gradually strengthened his authority and eventually ended the Fatimid caliphate in 1171.
Salahuddin later expanded his authority into Syria and worked to unite territories that had previously been divided among different Muslim rulers.
His growing power brought him into direct conflict with the Crusader states established in the eastern Mediterranean.