Saladin’s prominence grew during the struggle for Egypt while Nur al-Din was still alive. After Nur al-Din’s death in 569 / 1174, Saladin spent 10 years fighting fellow Muslims and consolidating his army. Having unified Syria and Egypt, and following his capture of Aleppo in 579 / 1183, Saladin focussed on expelling the Franks. His first major victory against them was at the Battle of Hittin in 583 / 1187. This opened the way to advance with his army towards Jerusalem, which he captured later that year.