At 'Ayn Jalut

The Mongols were quite possibly the geatest nation to have ever existed, their borders surpassing that of the Roman Empire and even Alexander the Great. When Genghis Khan died in 1227, his empire stretched from eastern Russia to the Middle East. He left his power to his children and grandchildren; one of these was Hülegü Khan, who was given power over part of the Mongol army.

He took his army to northwest Persia in 1255, raiding and pillaging as they went. In 1258, he defeated the Abbasid Caliphate at the Battle of Baghdad, capturing and destroying the city, and massacring the inhabitants. The Mongols now controlled Iraq and Persia. From here they pushed westwards toward the the Mediterranean. They overran Palestine and Syria, capuring the main city Damascus, in 1259. With Palestine and Syria conquered, Hülegü turned his attention to Egypt.

He sent a message to its rulers, the Mamluks, asking them to surrender without a fight:


 * "From the King of Kings of the East and West, the Great Khan. To Qutuz the Mamluk, who fled to escape our swords. You should think of what happened to other countries and submit to us. You have heard how we have conquered a vast empire and have purified the earth of the disorders that tainted it. We have conquered vast areas, massacring all the people. You cannot escape from the terror of our armies. Where can you flee? What road will you use to escape us? Our horses are swift, our arrows sharp, our swords like thunderbolts, our hearts as hard as the mountains, our soldiers as numerous as the sand. Fortresses will not detain us, nor arms stop us. Your prayers to God will not avail against us. We are not moved by tears nor touched by lamentations. Only those who beg our protection will be safe. Hasten your reply before the fire of war is kindled. Resist and you will suffer the most terrible catastrophes. We will shatter your mosques and reveal the weakness of your God and then will kill your children and your old men together. At present you are the only enemy against whom we have to march."