While many are familiar with the tales of Christian kings like Philip Augustus of France and Richard the Lionheart of England, who led the Third Crusade against Saladin, there is a mysterious chapter in this historical saga that remains largely unknown: the story of a Muslim ruler from far northwest Africa who allegedly rallied an army to support Saladin in defending «the Holy Land».
In 1213, King John of England sent a diplomatic embassy to Morocco to seal a deal with Almohad’s Sultan Mohamed Ennassir. John’s offer included converting to Islam and subjugating his kingdom to Almohads.