10 November 1290 · Cairo
Death of Qalawun; Acre campaign passes to al-Ashraf
Having completed preparations for the campaign against Acre, Sultan Qalawun died shortly after leaving Cairo with his army in November 1290. His son al-Ashraf Khalil succeeded him, maintained his father's decision for war and besieged Acre in spring 1291.
RESEARCH DOSSIER
Historical analysis of the event
Background
After the events at Acre in August 1290, Qalawun began gathering a great army and siege engines from Mamluk lands. Envoys sent from Acre could not persuade the sultan. Qalawun launched an extensive logistical programme for preparing siege equipment and assembling troops from Syria.
Course of events
Qalawun left Cairo with his army in early November 1290 but soon fell ill. He died on 10 November 1290 in the camp just outside the city.
Before dying, Qalawun had designated his son al-Ashraf Khalil as his successor. After his father's death Khalil consolidated his power, crushed a plot against his throne and continued preparations for the Acre campaign through the winter.
Outcome and significance
Qalawun's death gave Acre only a short respite. Al-Ashraf Khalil set out from Egypt in March 1291; the troops in Syria also moved toward Acre, and the city was besieged on 6 April 1291.
The complex of hospital, madrasa and mausoleum Qalawun built in Cairo, one of the most important works of Mamluk architecture, reflects his legacy.
Sources and debates
Baybars al-Mansuri, Abu al-Fida and al-Maqrizi report Qalawun's death and al-Ashraf Khalil's accession. The Templar of Tyre gives information on the last embassies sent from Acre. Details of the plot against Khalil differ between sources.
Dates, places and figures in this record compare the principal narrative sources with modern scholarship. Where the sources disagree this is stated in the text; for a thesis or publication, consult the relevant edition and page reference.