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Thank you. It's February 20th, 1258 in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Empire.

Al-Mustasim, the ruler of the Abbasid Empire, stumbles along the hallways of his palace, only remaining upright thanks to the two enemy soldiers, grasping him firmly by his arms. Smoke catches in his throat,

and he hears the distant screams of his people being put to death. Baghdad has fallen. For 500

years, Al-Lustasim's predecessors ruled an Islamic empire that stretched across the Arab world.

But a few decades ago, a new enemy emerged from Central Asia, the Mongols.

The Abbasids were unable to match them in battle, and bit by bit, the Mongols encroached on Abbasid territory.

In January, 1258, they reached the capital, Baghdad. It didn't take long for the Mongols encroached on Abbasid territory. In January, 1258, they reached the capital

Baghdad. It didn't take long for the Mongols to breach the walls, and for the last week,

their soldiers have rampaged through the city, with Al-Mustassum hold up in the palace as a

prisoner. The soldiers escorting him open a gate and push Al Moustasm into a courtyard.

Flames, dance against the sky.

The entire palace is burning, but that's not what frightens Al Mustasim.

Standing in the courtyard on a fine rug looted from the palace is Prince Hulagu,

the brother of the Mongol Empire's leader and the architect of the siege of Baghdad.

Al-Mustasim has dragged before him, and in a ringing voice, Hulugu shouts taunts,

but Al-Mustasim stays silent, knowing his life hangs in the balance.

His lack of response, though, only seems to antagonize Hulagu further.

He barks an angry command, and one of his men steps forward and punches Al-Mustassum hard in the stomach.

...