Baibars

Baibars led the Mamluk army to a decisive victory over the Mongol Ilkhanate at Ain Jalut in Palestine. This battle halted Mongol expansion into the Middle East and marked the first major defeat of the Mongols, preserving Mamluk and Islamic rule in the region.

Baibars reorganized the Mamluk military, established a postal system (barid), and centralized the administration. He also appointed puppet caliphs from the Abbasid line to legitimize his rule, strengthening the Mamluk Sultanate's institutions.

Baibars assassinated Sultan Qutuz shortly after the victory at Ain Jalut, seizing the sultanate for himself. This act of treachery allowed Baibars to become the fourth Mamluk sultan and consolidate his power.

Baibars besieged and captured the Crusader city of Antioch, one of the largest and most fortified Crusader states. The city was sacked, and its population was killed or enslaved, effectively ending the Principality of Antioch.

Baibars launched multiple campaigns against the Mongol Ilkhanate, including raids into Anatolia and Syria. He defeated Mongol forces at the Battle of Elbistan in 1277, but his death later that year prevented further expansion.