Mongol invasions of Syria

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Mongol invasions of Syria

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Repeated Mongol attempts to conquer Syria, primarily repelled by the Mamluks.

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Origins & Early Life

Starting in the 1240s, the Mongols attempted repeated invasions of Syria. Most failed, but they did have some success in 1260 and 1300, capturing Aleppo and Damascus and destroying the Ayyubid dynasty. The Mongols were forced to retreat within months each time by other forces in the area, primarily the Egyptian Mamluks. The post-1260 conflict has been described as the Mamluk–Ilkhanid War. The Mongol expansion was guided by the idea that the “eternal sky” had destined the Great Khan to rule over the entire world.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1219, Genghis Khan launched a large-scale offensive against the Anushtegin dynasty, which ruled most of the eastern Islamic world. By 1223, the Anushteginids had been defeated and their territory incorporated into the Mongol Empire. The main objectives of the limited Mongol government of the newly acquired region were to quell rebellions and collect as much tax and tribute as possible. Despite its relatively limited size, the Mongol army gradually expanded its sphere of influence and eventually reached Anatolia. However, some regions remained untouched by the Mongols, including the southern Iranian dynasties and the strongholds of the Ismacīlī.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Furthermore, despite numerous Mongol raids, the Jazīra and the Caliphate's empire in Iraq had not yet been subjugated. In the second half of the 13th century, civil war had erupted in the Mongol Empire. In the Middle East, this manifested as conflict between the Mongols of the Golden Horde, and the Mongols of the Ilkhanate, who battled over claims on Georgia and Azerbaijan. Both the Golden Horde and the Ilkhanate sought to strengthen their position via trade agreements or other types of alliances with other powers in the area. In 1261, Berke of the Golden Horde allied with the Mamluk Sultan Baibars, against their common enemy the Ilkhanate.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1219: 1219 Milestone — In 1219, Genghis Khan launched a large-scale offensive against the Anushtegin dynasty, which ruled most of the eastern Islamic world.
2. 1223: 1223 Milestone — By 1223, the Anushteginids had been defeated and their territory incorporated into the Mongol Empire.
3. 1260: 1260 Milestone — Most failed, but they did have some success in 1260 and 1300, capturing Aleppo and Damascus and destroying the Ayyubid dynasty.
4. 1261: 1261 Milestone — In 1261, Berke of the Golden Horde allied with the Mamluk Sultan Baibars, against their common enemy the Ilkhanate.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mongol invasions of Syria

True or False: “The Mongols successfully conquered and permanently ruled over all of Syria after their initial invasions in the 1240s.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Although they captured major cities like Aleppo and Damascus in 1260 and 1300, the Mongol forces were repeatedly forced to retreat by local powers, especially the Mamluks.

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