13th century – 13th century
Egypt and Syria
Izz al-Din Aybeg was the first sultan of the Bahri Mamluk line. His short reign was shaped by the need to end Louis IX’s crusade, confront the Ayyubid princes of Syria, and legitimize Mamluk rule through recognition as the caliph’s viceroy. His political plans provoked the intervention of Queen Shajar al-Durr, who arranged his murder in 1257.
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The Story
Izz al-Din Aybeg became the first sultan of the Bahri Mamluk line in 1250. His accession placed him at the head of a military oligarchy that had seized power in Egypt, while the Ayyubid dynasty remained influential in Syria. He therefore faced both an external military crisis and the internal problem of establishing a credible basis for his authority.
Aybeg brought the crusade of Louis IX to an end by observing the French king’s surrender terms. After a month of captivity, Louis and most of his knights were released for a ransom of 800,000 French pounds, while Damietta was reoccupied by the Mamluk army and its fortifications were demolished.
The Ayyubid princes invaded Egypt but were repulsed, after which a truce was concluded in view of the Mongol danger. Aybeg then proclaimed himself the caliph’s viceroy and contemplated a political marriage. This move led directly to his murder by Shajar al-Durr, who herself was killed only a few days later.
13th century – 13th century
Egypt and Syria
Izz al-Din Aybeg was the first sultan of the Bahri Mamluk line. His short reign was shaped by the need to end Louis IX’s crusade, confront the Ayyubid princes of Syria, and legitimize Mamluk rule through recognition as the caliph’s viceroy. His political plans provoked the intervention of Queen Shajar al-Durr, who arranged his murder in 1257.
Continue exploring
The Story
Izz al-Din Aybeg became the first sultan of the Bahri Mamluk line in 1250. His accession placed him at the head of a military oligarchy that had seized power in Egypt, while the Ayyubid dynasty remained influential in Syria. He therefore faced both an external military crisis and the internal problem of establishing a credible basis for his authority.
Aybeg brought the crusade of Louis IX to an end by observing the French king’s surrender terms. After a month of captivity, Louis and most of his knights were released for a ransom of 800,000 French pounds, while Damietta was reoccupied by the Mamluk army and its fortifications were demolished.
The Ayyubid princes invaded Egypt but were repulsed, after which a truce was concluded in view of the Mongol danger. Aybeg then proclaimed himself the caliph’s viceroy and contemplated a political marriage. This move led directly to his murder by Shajar al-Durr, who herself was killed only a few days later.