Mamluk Empire
Definition
The Mamluk Sultanate was a medieval realm spanning Egypt, the Levant, and Hejaz that lasted from 1250 until 1517 CE. It was notable for being ruled by former slaves (Mamluks) who had risen to military prominence.
Analogy
Imagine if in your school's chess club, pawns (the least powerful pieces) somehow became queens (the most powerful pieces). That's kind of what happened with Mamluks - they started as slaves but ended up ruling an empire!
Related terms
Saladin: A Muslim military leader who fought against Crusaders; while not a Mamluk himself, he founded the Ayyubid dynasty which would later be replaced by Mamluks in Egypt.
Bahri Dynasty: The first dynasty of Mamluk sultans who ruled from Cairo, Egypt.
Ottoman Empire: The empire that eventually overthrew the Mamluks and took control of their territories in 1517 CE.
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