Robert of St. Albans
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Knights Templar (before 1185) 
Ayyubid dynasty (1185–1187)Robert of St. Albans | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1150s/60s |
| Died | 1187 Near Jerusalem, Ayyubid Sultanate |
| Allegiance | Knights Templar (before 1185) Ayyubid dynasty (1185–1187) |
| Branch | Saladin's Army |
| Conflicts | |
Robert of St Albansα (Latin: Robertus de Saneto Albano; died 1187) was an English Templar Knight who converted to Islam from Christianity in 1185.[1][2][3] In 1187, he led an army for Saladin[4] against the Crusaders during the Battle of Hattin as well as the reconquest of Jerusalem,[5] which was at the time under the control of the Franks.[6]
Robert married the niece of Saladin.[7] In 1187, Robert fought for Saladin against the Crusaders during the Battle of Hattin and the Siege of Jerusalem.[2][8][9][10] Robert died the same year outside of Jerusalem.[2] It was stated that: “He devastated the country around Nablus and was killed outside Jerusalem in 1187.”[11]
According to Roger of Howden, Robert promised to deliver Saladin the city of Jerusalem, married his niece, became a Prince and was made a leader of Saladin's army.[1][12][13] However, the historian Helen J. Nicholson calls into question the validity of Howden's account, stating that it "reads like a fairy tale".[14]
