Saladin's journey to gaining control over Egypt can be summarized in the following steps:

1. Service under Nur al-Din: Saladin initially served under his uncle, Shirkuh, who was a general under Nur al-Din, the powerful ruler of the Zengid dynasty. Nur al-Din aimed to unify Muslim territories and counter the Crusader states in the region.

2. Appointment as Vizier of Egypt: In 1168, Shirkuh was appointed as the Vizier (chief administrator) of Egypt by the Fatimid Caliph al-Adid. However, Shirkuh died shortly after, and Saladin succeeded him as Vizier. At this point, Egypt was under the nominal authority of the Fatimid Caliphate, which was experiencing internal strife and declining power.

3. Consolidation of Power: As Vizier, Saladin began consolidating his power within Egypt, building a loyal following among the military and administrative elite. He established himself as a strong and capable leader, focusing on bringing stability and order to the region.

4. Conflict with the Fatimids: The Fatimid Caliphate was in a state of decline, with internal divisions and a weakened military. Saladin saw an opportunity to expand his influence and solidify his control. In 1171, he took a significant step by abolishing the Fatimid Caliphate and formally recognizing the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. This move helped legitimize his rule in the eyes of Sunni Muslims.

5. Expulsion of Crusaders: Saladin's main objective was to unite Muslim forces and counter the Crusader states that had been established in the Levant. He embarked on a series of military campaigns to recapture territories from the Crusaders, which earned him a reputation as a skilled commander and a champion of Islam.

6. Conquest of Jerusalem: One of Saladin's most famous accomplishments was the capture of Jerusalem in 1187. His successful siege of the city led to the Third Crusade, during which he faced off against European forces led by King Richard the Lionheart and other European monarchs.

7. Ayyubid Dynasty: Through his military successes and political acumen, Saladin established the Ayyubid dynasty, named after his family. The Ayyubid dynasty ruled over a significant portion of the Muslim world, including Egypt, Syria, and other neighboring territories.

Saladin's control over Egypt was a result of his astute political maneuvering, military prowess, and the weakening of the existing power structures in the region. His legacy as a respected leader and his contributions to the Islamic world continue to be remembered today.