The leaders of the Islamic world surrounded themselves with a bodyguard of mamluks – Turkic ghulams who they had purchased, trained for military life, educated in Islam and then freed. Owing everything to their master, a mamluk’s loyalty was as sure as his skill in battle. In 1250 Egypt’s mamluk generals overthrew their Ayyubid masters, and came to dominate Syria.

28mm figures. Pack contains two different mounted figures, two barded horses and two Forces of Islam shields. Spears and pill-shaped bases included. Made from white metal, supplied unpainted and may need some assembly.