Battle of Marj al-Saffar
1303 · Marj al-Saffar (near Damascus, modern Syria) · World · Medieval
The Mamluk army withstood the Mongol cavalry charges head-on and then surrounded them and counterattacked; the Ilkhanid army was routed and fell back east of the Euphrates.
Belligerents
Mamluk Sultanate
- Commanders
- al-Nasir Muhammad
- Strength
- Mamluk army
Ilkhanate
- Commanders
- Qutlugh-Shah
- Strength
- Mongol and Georgian coalition
Background
After the death of Ghazan Khan, the Ilkhanate kept trying, without success, to mount a fourth large-scale invasion of Syria.
Course of the battle
- Forming upThe two armies formed up facing each other on the open plain outside Damascus.
- ChargeThe Mongol cavalry charged the Mamluk lines again and again but could not break through.
- EncirclementThe Mamluk army enveloped them on both flanks and counterattacked, and the Ilkhanid army fell back in disarray.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1303 |
|---|---|
| Place | Marj al-Saffar (near present-day Damascus, Syria) |
| Result | The Mamluk army withstood the Mongol cavalry charges head-on and then surrounded them and counterattacked; the Ilkhanid army was routed and fell back east of the Euphrates. |
| Winner | Mamluk Sultanate |
| Casualties | The Ilkhanid army suffered heavy losses. |
| Territorial change | Mamluk rule over the Levant became more secure. |
Impact
After this the Ilkhanate gave up large-scale invasions westward into Syria, and the situation in the Levant stabilized.
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