The conflict between the Armenians and the Mamluks had begun when the Mamluk Sultan Baibars summoned the Armenian ruler Hethum I to abandon his allegiance to the Mongols, accept himself as a suzerain, and remit to the Mamluks the territories and fortresses Hethum has acquired through his alliance with the Mongols.
Following these threats, Hetoum I had gone to the Mongol court of the Il-Khan in Persia to obtain military support.
During his absence, however, the Mamluks march on Cilician Armenia, led by Al-Mansur Qalawun.
Hethum I's two sons, Leo (the future king Leo II) and Thoros lead the defense by strongly manning the fortresses at the entrance of the Cilician territory.
The Mamluks, however, overtake the forts by going through the mountains, and encounter the Armenians at Mari, near Darbsak on August 24, 1266, where the Armenians are defeated.
Leo is made a prisoner, and Thoros is killed in action.
The Armeno-Mongol son of the Constable Sempad, named Vasil Tatar, is also taken prisoner by the Mamluks and is taken into captivity with Leo, although they are reported to have been treated well.
Following their victory, …
