LATEST CHATTY HEADER

Guess I'll go the nonfiction route.

Civilization: The Mamluks
The Mamluks were military slaves who, in 1250 AD, managed to seize power from the Ayyubian rulers of Egypt. The world in which the Mamluks arose was a dangerous one though and the Crusaders and the approaching Mongol army represented serious dangers to their burgeoning state. The Mamluks managed to overcome both these threats, with the ejection of the Crusaders from Palestine in 1293 AD and the halting of the “invincible” Mongol advance by the early 14th century. With their externals enemies defanged, the Mamluks were able to bring great wealth and power to Egypt through the incorporation of Syria and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina into their realm as well as control of important trade routes between the Mediterranean and Asia.

The success of the Mamluk Sultanate could be in part attributed to their unique succession system which allowed for the Sultan’s most powerful Mamluk soldier to take control of the Sultanate. This system allowed for a continual line of strong, capable rulers for centuries, but eventually this gave way to the forces of nepotism and greed. The Mamluk Sultanate finally ended in 1517 AD when the Ottoman Empire succeeded in capturing Cairo and executing the last Sultan.

Leader: Baybars I (Organized, Protective)
Baybars I, perhaps the most famous Mamluk Sultan, was a cunning general and intelligent ruler who lead Egypt from 1260-1277 AD. Baybars saw numerous military victories, including the defeat and capture of Louis IX during the seventh crusade, the first real defeat of the Mongolian army at Ayn Jalut, and the seizure of Antioch, the symbol of continued Crusader existence within the Holy Land. Alongside his military victories, Baybars I can be credited with the organization of the Sultanate into a persistent and stable state as well as the improvement of its safety through rebuilding of strongholds, the army and the navy.

Starting Techs: Mining, Agriculture

Unique Unit: Kipchak Horseman (Replaces Knight – Free March Promotion)
During the early Mamluk Sultanate, many the military slaves came from the tribes of the Kipchak Turks who were experiencing great hardships following the the Mongol invasion. These Kipchak Turks made up the prominent regiment within the Mamluk army and were trained in cavalry combat with spears as well as bows and arrows. During the campaigns of Baybars I, these soldiers were well known for their stamina, regularly performing forced marches in order to deal with the many threats to the Sultanate.

Unique Building: Tabaka (Replaces Barracks - +1 Happiness)
A new slave boy, upon purchase, was assigned to a tabaka with other boys his own age. This building served as his quarters, Islamic school and military academy for ten years until he was freed. Through the tabaka the new soldier was instilled with a sense of loyalty to his master and his companions and upon receiving his freedom formed a unit alongside these companions within the Mamluk army.