c. 1223
Southern Russia

July 1, 1277
Damascus, Syria

Mamluk sultan

"Baybars repeatedly demonstrated quickness of action resolution, courage, shrewdness, prescience [foresight], and determination. He seemed to be able to accomplish many things almost at the same time, and to be always on the move directing affairs of state in Egypt and Syria."

—Mustafa Ziada, "The Mamluk Sultans to 1293," in History of the Crusades. Vol. 2, The Later Crusades, 1189–1311.

Called the "Napoleon of medieval Egypt," al-Zahir Baybars, also known as Rukn al-Din Baybars al-Bunduqdari, or simply Baybars, was the savior of Egypt during the critical years of the thirteenth century when that country faced enemies from both...