Krum the Fearsome vs Qalawun

Krum introduced a set of laws aimed at centralizing power and unifying the Bulgarian state. These laws included measures against theft, drunkenness, and false oaths, and established a uniform legal system.

Krum led the Bulgarian army to a decisive victory over the Byzantine Empire at the Battle of Pliska. Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros I was killed in the battle, and his skull was later used as a drinking cup by Krum.

Krum besieged Constantinople after a series of victories over the Byzantines. He failed to capture the city due to its strong defenses and the death of Krum shortly after, but the siege demonstrated Bulgarian military power.

Qalawun seized the sultanate after deposing his predecessor Al-Said Barakah, son of Baybars. He was a former Mamluk commander under Baybars. His accession marked the beginning of the Qalawunid dynasty, which ruled Egypt for over a century.

Qalawun defeated a Mongol invasion led by Abaqa Khan of the Ilkhanate at the Second Battle of Homs. The Mamluk victory prevented Mongol incursions into Syria. This battle solidified Mamluk control over the region and deterred future Mongol attacks.

Qalawun captured the Crusader fortress of Margat (1285) and the port of Latakia (1287). These conquests further reduced Crusader territory in Syria. The fall of Margat was a significant blow to the Knights Hospitaller.

Qalawun signed a truce with the Crusader County of Tripoli. However, he soon violated the treaty and captured Tripoli in 1289. The fall of Tripoli eliminated one of the last major Crusader states and paved the way for the capture of Acre.

Qalawun died in Cairo while preparing a campaign to capture Acre. He was succeeded by his son Al-Ashraf Khalil, who completed the conquest of Acre. Qalawun's reign established the Qalawunid dynasty and strengthened the Mamluk state.