King Chungsuk of Goryeo vs Shajar al-Durr

King Chungsuk was deposed by the Yuan court after a brief reign, due to political conflicts within the Yuan imperial family. He was taken to Dadu and held there, while his son King Chunghye was installed as king with Yuan approval.

After King Chunghye was deposed for misrule, the Yuan court reinstated King Chungsuk as king of Goryeo. He returned to Gaegyeong and resumed rule, but his authority remained limited by Yuan oversight.

King Chungsuk attempted to reform Goryeo's tax system and local administration to reduce corruption and stabilize state finances. These reforms had limited success due to resistance from powerful noble families and ongoing Yuan demands for tribute.

After the death of her husband As-Salih Ayyub, Shajar al-Durr became the de facto ruler of Egypt. She was proclaimed Sultana with the support of the Mamluk commanders. Her reign marked the first and only time a woman ruled Egypt in the medieval Islamic period.

To legitimize her rule and appease the Ayyubid caliph, Shajar al-Durr married the Mamluk commander Aybak. She abdicated the throne in his favor but retained significant influence. This marriage established the Mamluk Sultanate under Aybak's nominal rule.

Shajar al-Durr ordered the assassination of her husband Sultan Aybak in his bathhouse after he planned to marry another woman. She feared losing her power and influence. This act led to a power struggle among the Mamluks and her own downfall.

After Aybak's murder, Shajar al-Durr was arrested by the Mamluks loyal to Aybak. She was beaten to death by Aybak's concubines or slaves, and her body was thrown into a ditch. Her death ended the brief period of female rule in the Mamluk Sultanate.