Mongol Yam Postal Rivalry with the Mamluks

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore a little-known chapter of Mongol postal history: the fierce competition between the Yam and the Mamluk barid. When the Mongols pushed into Syria in the 13th century, they encountered a rival communication network that was every bit as efficient—and sometimes even faster. Lucas recounts how Sultan Baybars and his successors studied captured Mongol couriers, adopted paiza-like passes, and built a network of pigeon posts that could beat Mongol riders to Damascus. The episode covers the Battle of Ain Jalut (1260), where Mamluk intelligence disrupted Mongol communications, and the later diplomatic dance between the Ilkhanate and the Mamluks, where letters carried by Yam riders were intercepted and read. Lucas also touches on the role of the secret spy network within the Yam, the use of fire signals, and the eventual decline of both systems. A fresh angle on the Yam's global impact, showing how the Mongols' own invention was turned against them by savvy rivals. #MongolYam #MamlukBarid #Baybars #AinJalut #Ilkhanate #Syria #PostalHistory #PigeonPost #Intelligence #13thCentury #GenghisKhan #KublaiKhan #Qutuz #Cairo #Damascus #SteppeEmpire #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo