The Mongol Sack of Baghdad 1258 video

The Siege of Baghdad in 1258 was a turning point in world history. The city, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and the jewel of the Islamic world, was sacked by a massive Mongol army under Hulagu Khan. This wasn't just a conquest—it was an annihilation. The Mongols, numbering over 138,000 men, breached the city's walls on February 10th and spent a full week pillaging, burning, and slaughtering. Estimates of the dead range from 200,000 to as high as 2 million. Key topics explored in this video: The Rise of Hulagu Khan: The Mongol prince sent west to secure Persia and his ultimate target: Baghdad. The Caliph's Downfall: The arrogance of Caliph al-Musta'sim and his failure to provide reinforcements, which convinced Hulagu to overthrow him. The Siege Itself: The Mongol use of Chinese artillery, the breaching of the walls, and the swift, 13‑day collapse of the city's defenses. The Aftermath: The systematic destruction of mosques, hospitals, libraries, and palaces. The Legacy: How this event is traditionally seen as the end of the Islamic Golden Age, though modern historians debate its true impact. This is the story of the end of a world. Click play to learn more.