Chapter XIII

Message of Hulagu to Kalif of Bagdad, 1257.—Kalif rebukes
Hulagu.—Hulagu’s envoys insulted by the people.—Second message of
the Kalif to Hulagu to warn him against making war on the
Abbasids.—Attempted treason of Aké, commandant of
Daritang.—Possession of the Daritang road by Hulagu.—Prediction of
the astrologer.—Capture of Luristan by the Mongols.—Advance of Feth
ud din to meet the Mongol division.—Opening of canals from the
Tigris by the Mongols.—Triumph of Hulagu.—Submission of the Kalif
of Bagdad.—Bagdad sacked by the Mongols.—Death of Kalif of Bagdad,
1258.—Appointment of Ben Amran as prefect.—Alb Argun’s accession to
the throne of Luristan.—Summons of Hulagu to Bedr ud din, Prince of
Mosul.—Presents given by the Prince of Mosul to Hulagu.—Death of
Salih, 1249.—Death of Turan Shah, successor of Salih.—Accession of
Eibeg to the throne of Egypt.—Attempt of Nassir to drive Eibeg from
the throne.—Message of Hulagu to Nassir.—Advance of Hulagu’s army
into Syria.—Accusation of Hulagu against Kamil, the Eyubite
prince.—Summons sent by Hulagu to the Prince of Mardin.—Message of
Nassir to Mogith.—Succession of Mansur, son of Eibeg.—Kutuz becomes
Sultan.—Siege of El Biret.—Mongols camp near Aleppo.—Assault and
capture of Aleppo, January 25, 1260.—Damascus left defenceless by
Nassir 247