 Their rural lands, which were largely populated by Greek Orthodox Christians, were distinguished for their well-kept and prosperous state.From early on, the family was also known to provide refuge for a wide array of people, ranging from Muslim refugees fleeing Crusader assaults or exiled Muslim generals, officials and other dignitaries.The most well-known member of the family, Usama ibn Munqidh (1095–1188), went on to have to have a proficient career in literature and diplomacy serving the courts of the Zengids, Fatimids and Ayyubids.