The Siege of Baghdad was one of the pivotal conflicts of the 13th century, culminating in the fall of one of the most influential centers of Islamic civilization, Baghdad. Initiated in the winter of 1257, Hulegu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan and a prominent figure in the Mongol Empire, led a massive army against the city, determined to assert Mongol dominance over the Middle East. The city, fortified and populous, had a significant reputation for its wealth and scholarly contributions, making it a target of conquest. As Hulegu's forces surrounded the city, they employed siege tactics, including catapults and blockades, which ultimately crippled supply lines and weakened the city's defenses.Numerous skirmishes took place as the inhabitants and defenders of Baghdad attempted to repel the Mongol forces, but the prolonged siege led to dire conditions within the city, including famine and internal strife. After several months of resistance, as conditions worsened, the final attempts at negotiation took place. The Abbasid caliph, Al-Musta'sim, sought a truce, but upon surrendering to Hulegu Khan, he was ultimately captured. The consequences of this event were catastrophic, as Baghdad was subjected to looting, destruction, and mass slaughter, resulting in a significant loss of life and a destruction of its cultural heritage. This event marked the end of an era for the Islamic Golden Age and the beginning of a power vacuum in the region that would lead to a reshaping of the Islamic world.