The Arab General

[Ibn Munqidh]

Hi,

I was always fascinated by this general, who's military skills and tactics are no less than those of Alexander, yet he is by far, the most underestimated, least known general in history.

This general's name is Khalid, Khalid ibn Al-Walid ibn Al-Mughera Al-Makhzumi Al-Qurashi. I have read the wiki entries on him, and that book, sword of allah, but still, none of those give extensive research on his strategies and tactics, which enabled him to proceed undefeated in the huge battles he waged against the persians and byzantines.

Anyone here know of a book or website where I could learn more?

[Orb]

Completely OT - but wasn't Ibn Munqidh an Aegyptophile historian? Or have I confused my results?

In answer, I hadn't heard of Khalid beforehand.

[Ibn Munqidh]

Ibn Munqidh was an arab prince/knight/chronicler, from Shaizar, during the crusades period.

As I said, most people have not heard of this general before.

[GiantMonkeyMan]

i found this website for you: http://www.swordofallah.com/

it seems he was a pretty awesome general, but he did commit murder on more that one occassion... still, he was on Civ4 Warlords i think, that's where i recognise him from

[Ibn Munqidh]

Ive read that book, seems like alot of religious fantasies and heroism, I would like to find something factual about him.

Thanks for the link BTW.

[Randarkmaan]

His victories are very impressive indeed, and I think especially so since at the time the Arabs had very few warhorses, most warriors were camel-mounted infantry(who proved to be very effective) and there were pretty few warriors altogether (compared with the Byzantines and the Persians).