Born around 1137, Saladin’s name meant “righteousness of the faith,” and for once, destiny delivered. He fought wars, toppled cities and still somehow kept a reputation as the soundest guy in the room. While the Crusaders were looting and torching everything in sight, Saladin strolled into Jerusalem and reclaimed it without any drama.

Europe expected a moustache-twirling villain, but got a shockingly reasonable man who honored peace treaties and didn’t condone recreational homicide. Even his enemy Richard the Lionheart admitted he was alright.

By the time Saladin died, he’d given away so much money they had to pass the hat around just to get him in the ground. One of history’s nicest conquerors, right down to his crowdfunded funeral.