The Mongol sweep westward had continued while…
1254 CE
The Mongol sweep westward had continued while the Ayyubids of Saladin's house were losing ground to the Turkish-speaking Mamluks in Egypt.
The crusaders, situated between two fires, are themselves hopelessly riddled with dissension.
The crusading King Louis IX of France, residing in Acre, from which he rules the coast, has nevertheless transformed a military defeat into a diplomatic success in four years, concluding advantageous alliances, and fortifying the Christian cities of Syria.
He even attempts to form an alliance with the Mongols against the Muslims.
He has exhausted his funds, but only upon learning of his mother's death does Louis depart for home, leaving a significant garrison in the city of Acre for its defense against Islamic attacks.
The historic presence of this French garrison in the Middle East will later be used as a justification for the French Mandate following the end of the First World War.