In the aftermath of the Battle of Ain Jalut, where the Mamluk forces, led by Sultan Qutuz and Baybars, successfully halted the Mongolian advance into Egypt, the political landscape of the Mamluk Sultanate underwent a dramatic transformation. Qutuz, who had played a crucial role in the victory, ultimately fell victim to political machinations and was assassinated shortly thereafter. Baybars, a key military figure in the Mamluk forces, seized this opportunity to ascend to the throne, claiming the title of Sultan and becoming the fourth ruler of the Mamluk Sultanate.

Baybars had been a former slave and soldier who rose through the ranks. His leadership was marked by his military prowess and strategic insight, which had been instrumental in achieving victory at Ain Jalut. This battle not only thwarted the Mongol empire's expansion into the Middle East but also cemented the Mamluks’ status as a formidable power in the region. Upon taking the throne, Baybars initiated a series of military campaigns and reforms that would solidify Mamluk control over Egypt and Syria while establishing a legacy of strength and resilience against external threats.

Baybars' reign is characterized by his efforts to revive the economy and enhance the military infrastructure of the Sultanate. His rule laid the groundwork for a robust and prosperous Mamluk state that would fend off future Mongol invasions and maintain stability in the region for decades. The assassination of Qutuz and Baybars’ subsequent rise was crucial in shaping the historical narrative of the Mamluks and their empire during a critical period in Middle Eastern history.