In the previous episode we described the decline of the Abbasid caliphate and the rise of new Islamic powers and factions like the Fatimids and Assassins. Then we alluded to a looming threat from Europe, the crusades. In this episode we will talk about the early crusades, the muslim response in particular the great leader Saladin and his rivalry with Richard Lionheart of England. Finally, we’ll introduce a new existential threat from the east that swept all before them and many believe brought about the end of the Islamic Golden Age.

 

Follow the host https://twitter.com/KhalidWinter

 

Directed by Emily Ling Williams