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Baldwin, M. W. (ed.) / The first hundred years
(1969)
XVIII: The Rise of Saladin, 1169-1189, pp. 562-589
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Page 589
Ch. XVIII THE RISE OF SALADIN 589 put to the test. He had a double conflict to wage: the external struggle with the crusaders, and the internal struggle with the fissiparous tendencies and the instability of the feudal armies. Military genius had but a small part in the combination of qualities by which he fought the crusade to a standstill. The long campaign was an almost unbroken succession of military reverses and disasters; his generals were openly critical, his troops often mutinous. It was by the sheer force of personality, by the undying flame of faith within him, and by his example of steadfast endurance, that he inspired the dogged resistance which finally wore down the invaders.
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