Mameluke

A Mameluke is basically a slave-soldier employed throughout most of the Islamic world from the ninth century to the nineteenth century. Mamelukes were bought as slaves when they were boys (normally from Turkey). They were then taught to read and write, then taught to fight and enrolled in the military. Although slaves they were considered a class above true slaves in that they were allowed to carry weapons.

As a warrior-class Mamelukes were long lived, lasting for a thousand years. They held both military and political power and many of them could become Sultans, Emirs or Beys (minor lords).

One battle that displayed the ferocity and sheer willpower that Mamelukes had was the battle of Ain Jalut, where in 1260 they were able to halt the Mongol invasion from progressing further into the holy land.