Al-Adil II

Al-Adil II, born around the year 1221, ascended to the throne as the Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt in 1238 following the death of his father, al-Kamil, who was a nephew of the famed Saladin. His reign, however, was marked by turmoil and instability, as he took on the responsibilities of leadership somewhat unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

During his brief rule, Egypt descended into chaos, and in a dramatic turn of events, his half-brother as-Salih Ayyub, who had been exiled, seized the opportunity to depose him. This coup not only ended Al-Adil II's reign but also led to his imprisonment, where he would spend the next eight years of his life until his death on February 9, 1248.

Contemporary Muslim historians have often criticized Al-Adil II for his extravagant lifestyle and perceived moral laxity. This reputation is illustrated by an exquisite brass basin crafted by the renowned artisan Ahmad al-Dhaki al-Mawsili, which features a notably risqué depiction of total nudity, a rare find in medieval Islamic metalwork.