As-Salih Ayyub vs Janus of Cyprus

As-Salih Ayyub systematically purchased large numbers of Kipchak Turkic slaves (Mamluks) to form a loyal military corps. He housed them on the island of Rawda (al-Rawda al-Salihiyya). This policy created a powerful military elite that later overthrew the Ayyubids.

As-Salih Ayyub became Sultan of Egypt after deposing his uncle Al-Adil II. He seized power with the support of the Ayyubid army and established his rule in Cairo. This marked the beginning of his reign as the last Ayyubid sultan of Egypt.

As-Salih Ayyub led the defense of Egypt against the Seventh Crusade led by King Louis IX of France. The Crusaders captured Damietta in 1249. As-Salih Ayyub died of illness during the campaign, but his Mamluk forces continued the fight.

As-Salih Ayyub died in Al-Mansurah during the Seventh Crusade. His death was kept secret by his widow Shajar al-Durr and the Mamluk commander Fakhr al-Din Yussuf to maintain morale. This led to a succession crisis and the eventual rise of the Mamluks.

Janus, as a child, witnessed the Genoese invasion of Cyprus. The Genoese captured the port city of Famagusta, the island's commercial center, and held it for nearly a century, crippling the Cypriot economy.

Janus launched a naval raid on Alexandria in retaliation for Mamluk attacks. The raid achieved limited success but provoked a massive Mamluk response that would devastate Cyprus.

The Mamluk Sultan Barsbay launched a major invasion of Cyprus. Janus was defeated at the Battle of Khirokitia and captured, leading to the island's subjugation as a Mamluk tributary state.

Janus was taken prisoner by the Mamluks after the Battle of Khirokitia. He was held in Cairo until a heavy ransom was paid, and Cyprus became a tributary state of the Mamluk Sultanate, losing its independence.