The Epic Battle That Stopped the Mongols and Changed History: Ain Jalut

In 1260, the Mongols, led by Hulagu Khan, were on a mission to conquer the Middle East. But their quest for domination was met with fierce resistance at the Battle of Ain Jalut. The Mamluks, a military elite made up of former slave soldiers, formed a circular formation called a “ghazwa“ and deployed their heavily-armored cavalry at the front to absorb the initial Mongol charge. The Mamluks then counterattacked with their lighter, more agile cavalry, using hit-and-run tactics to wear down the Mongols. The Mamluk infantry, armed with spears, shields, and swords, formed a protective barrier for the cavalry and helped to repel the Mongol cavalry when they tried to break through the Mamluk lines. The Mongols charged toward the Mamluk army with their superior cavalry and mounted archers, trying to break through the Mamluk lines. However, they were unable to overcome the Mamluk defense and were eventually forced to retreat. The battle took place near the Ain Jalut spring in southeastern Galilee, nea