A member of a military caste of slave-soldiers who served Islamic rulers, most famously in Egypt and Syria from 1250-1517 CE. Despite their slave origins, Mamluks often rose to become rulers themselves.
From Arabic 'mamlūk,' meaning 'owned' or 'possessed,' derived from the root 'm-l-k' (to own or possess). The term reflects their original status as military slaves, though they eventually became a powerful ruling class.
The Mamluks were history's ultimate social climbers - literally from slaves to sultans! These warrior-slaves stopped the Mongol invasion at Ain Jalut (1260) and kicked the Crusaders out of the Holy Land for good. Ironically, a slave army became the defenders of Islamic civilization against its greatest threats.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.