Battle of Mansurah
Mansoura, Nile Delta, Egypt
What happened
Crusaders under King Louis IX of France fought the Ayyubid army of Egypt, led for Sultana Shajar al-Durr by Fakhr al-Din and Mamluk commanders including Baybars and Qutuz. In the Seventh Crusade, Louis IX invaded Egypt and advanced along the Nile. Crusader knights crossed a canal and rode into the town of Mansurah, which seemed empty. There they were surrounded by Egyptian troops and townspeople, and the crusaders fell back to their camp, where they were besieged.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first time the Mamluks, the elite slave-soldiers of Egypt, led the defence of Egypt themselves.
What came next
The crusaders retreated toward Damietta in April, and Louis IX was captured at Fariskur on 6 April 1250.
Did you know?
The city's name, Mansoura, means 'the Victorious', after this battle.
Timeline
- 1219Sultan al-Kamil founds the town.
- 8-11 February 1250The Egyptians defeat the crusaders at Mansurah.
- 6 April 1250Louis IX is captured at Fariskur.