Shawar

Shawar was a prominent Egyptian military leader and politician who played a crucial role in the tumultuous political landscape of Fatimid Egypt during the twelfth century. Serving as the vizier, he effectively became the de facto ruler from December 1162 until his untimely assassination in 1169. His tenure was marked by a fierce power struggle against the Crusader Amalric I of Jerusalem, which ultimately led to his downfall.

Known for his shifting allegiances, Shawar often changed sides in the ongoing conflict, a strategy that earned him notoriety among his contemporaries. His political maneuvers included drastic actions, such as the burning of his own capital city, Fustat, to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. This act exemplified his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of his political ambitions.

Shawar's life came to a violent end when he was assassinated by Shirkuh, a general and the uncle of the future Ayyubid leader Saladin. This assassination was a pivotal moment in the power dynamics of the region, as it not only eliminated a key player but also set the stage for Saladin's rise to prominence.