ABSTRACT
In the aftermath of Hulegu's departure, his mission was seemingly to guard and consolidate Mongol conquests in Syria, to expand them if possible, and to keep a watchful eye on both the Franks on the coast and the Mamluks in Egypt. Qutuz, the Mamluk sultan, decided on an aggressive policy towards the Mongols, particularly when he received news that Hulegu had withdrawn from Syria and left only a small part of his army. Qutuz began making preparations for the campaign, ordering a general mobilization of the Mamluk army. Meanwhile, Mongol envoys had arrived with a threatening letter from Hulegu, calling on Qutuz to submit. The apparent reason behind Ketbuqa's hesitation was the relatively small number of soldiers at his disposal and his awareness of the strength of Qutuz's force. Ketbuqa resolved to meet Qu?uz; having gathered his troops, he moved south and took up a position at 'Ayn Jalut.
