DBA Armies

This list covers Egyptian armies from the overthrow of the Ayyubids until defeat at Raydaniyah in 1517 (largely by artillery) brought Egypt under Ottoman rule. Troops called ghulams “boys” and later mamluks “slaves” started as surplus boys from pagan steppe horse archer tribes, bought by entrepreneurs, converted to Islam and formed into military units of highly trained and disciplined soldiers that became self-perpetuating corporations. They were widely used by Muslim states that could afford them and prized for their efficiency and loyalty. The Abbasid caliph al-Mutasim (833-42) elevated them into a military aristocracy capable of being promoted to the highest offices of state. When the supply ran short, recruitment shifted to Kipchaks and Circassians. Becoming indispensable, the Egyptian mamluks seized power in 1250 and henceforth appointed their own sultans! The corps was now segregated into thoroughly drilled royal mamluks, and mamluks of the amirs. All had helmet, body armour, round shield (amirs’ mamluks’ shields with heraldic designs), bow, lance, mace and sword, but not uniforms. Some horses had Persian-style bards; all others decorated long saddle cloths. Quality fell in the late 15c, though from a high peak. Slave recruits had to be bought for cash and were getting more expensive. Halqa started as probably lance-armed cavalry recruited from Arabs, Egyptians and sons of mamluks, but by 1315 had degenerated into foot archers, then from 1490 were encouraged to re-arm as handgunners. Naffatun used incendiary projectors, but were replaced from 1450 by (initially black) handgunners. If used, handgunners were deployed in front of the cavalry as a screen. Foot were otherwise disdained. Ghazis fought for religion, mutatawwi’a for loot. Artillery were first used in a field battle in 1517. References: Armies and Enemies of the Crusades 1. Heath, Armies of the Middle Ages Vol 2 1. Heath, The Knights of Islam J. Waterson, Mongols and Mamluks R. Amitai-Preiss.