Over time , they became a powerful military caste , and on more than one occasion they seized power for themselves , for example , ruling Egypt from 1250 -- 1517 .
The first Mamluks served the Abbasid caliphs in 9th century Baghdad .
Over time , Mamluks became a powerful military caste , and on more than one occasion Mamluks seized power for themselves , for example , ruling Egypt from 1250 -- 1517 .
The first Mamluks served the Abbasid caliphs in 9th century Baghdad .