Final answer:
Saladin took control of Damascus in 1174 through political maneuvering and military actions, including forming alliances and launching a military campaign. He was able to exploit internal divisions and weaken the Fatimid Caliphate to gain control of the city.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1174, Saladin took control of Damascus through a series of political maneuvering and military actions. After the death of the ruler of Damascus, Nur ad-Din, Saladin saw an opportunity to expand his territories and gain control of the city. He made alliances with various factions within Damascus, including influential Kurdish and Turkic leaders, and launched a military campaign to secure the city. Saladin's forces besieged Damascus and eventually gained control through a combination of military pressure and negotiations.
Saladin's rise to power in Damascus was also facilitated by the internal divisions and rivalries among the ruling elites of the city, as well as the weakening of the Fatimid Caliphate. He presented himself as a champion of Islam and was able to garner support from local populations by emphasizing his commitment to justice and fair governance.
Overall, Saladin's takeover of Damascus in 1174 was the result of careful political maneuvering, military strategy, and taking advantage of the power vacuum created by the death of Nur ad-Din. His control over Damascus further solidified his position as a prominent Muslim leader in the region.