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Fifth battle: The Battle of Hattin

As to Saladin: "However, it is not only for his military prowess that he is remembered, but as much for his breadth of view, generosity, and moral integrity. He could be utterly ruthless when time and occasion demanded, but so often it seemed that justice, truth and honour were the wellsprings of his actions."

Great warriors, like lesser men, come to dust and silence, and few of them leave great or greater sons behind them.

The appalling massacre that followed sent frissons of horror coursing through the civilized world, for the unbridled and indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children irrespective of colour, creed or race far exceeded the normal coldblooded ferocity of those times.

Four: The Kingdom of Jerusalem

Four: The Kingdom of Jerusalem

The battle lasted only a few hours, but its effect upon Europe was felt for many years.

They came with the offer of a truce, which Romanus spurned, and so battle became inevitable. He was probably quite right, for he must return to Constatinople as a conqueror or not at all.

Third battle: The Battle of Manzikert

Second battle: The Battle of Hastings

No matter how great the general, he sometimes needs to have luck. In Hannibal's last battle it deserted him - for at Zama Fortune frolicked with Destiny.

Carthaginians were not people with the qualities to confer benefits upon a wider sphere. Their empire was forged on commerce of a cruel and grasping kind.

First battle: Battle of Zama.