Definition

A member of a powerful military class in Egypt that ruled from 1250 to 1517, often made up of former slaves.

Example

The Mamluks were known for their military prowess and played a significant role in Egyptian history.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about the mamluk class in Egyptian history?

Yeah, I remember reading something about them in school.

It's fascinating how they held power for so long, right?

Absolutely! Their influence really shaped the region during that time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mamluk → The word 'Mamluk' originates from Arabic 'مملوك' (mamlūk), meaning 'owned' or 'slave'. It refers to a specific class of military slaves in the Islamic world, particularly in Egypt, who were trained as soldiers and often rose to power.

Memory Tip

Think of the Arabic word for 'owned' — 'mamlūk' — to remember that a Mamluk was originally a slave or someone owned, who became a soldier.

Visually Confused Words