Zengi

Murdered while drunk in his bed on September 14, 1146, Zengi was a Syrian leader who fought against the Crusaders. Historians at the time noted that his proper title was:

"The emir, the general, the great, the just, the aid of God, the triumphant, the unique, the pillar of religion, the cornerstone of Islam, ornament of Islam, protector of God's creatures, associate of the dynasty, auxiliary of doctrine, grandeur of the nation, honour of kings, supporter of sultans, victor over the infidels, rebels, and atheists, commander of the Muslim armies, the victorious king, the king of princes, the sun of the deserving, emir of the two Iraqs and Syria, conqueror of Iran, Bahlawan, Jihan Alp Inassaj Kotlogh Toghrulbeg atabeg Abu Sa'id Zangi Ibn Aq Sunqur, protector of the prince of the faithful."

When he rode, his troops followed him in single file, since he was known to crucify anyone who trampled on a crop.

Another historian noted "He was feared for his sudden attacking; shunned for his roughness; aggressive, insolent, death to enemies and citizens.” Another noted, “When he (Zengi) was unhappy with an emir, he would kill him or banish him and leave that individual’s children alive but castrate them. Whenever one of his pages pleased him by his beauty he would treat him in the same way so that the characteristics of youth would last longer in him.”

Lesson for followers of history: upon his death his army disintegrated.