The military system of the Muslim rulers garnered significant attention from Western historians, both those who studied Islamic history and those who did not. Both the Ottoman and Mamluk dynasties received considerable attention in this regard, although the Mamluk system itself received less focus, despite being the core of the Mamluk state. This study aims to provide a clear picture of the foundations upon which the Mamluk military system was built, and the changes it underwent during the era of the Mamluk sultans (1250-1517). It examines the historical context of the Middle East in the 13th century, describes the composition of the Mamluk army, and details the life of a Mamluk from his arrival in Egypt to his eventual emancipation after completing his training in the guilds and becoming a soldier. Furthermore, the study explores the factors that influenced the future of the soldier, his resources, and his relationships with his masters, fellow soldiers, and those involved in his emancipation, highlighting the importance of all these factors in the strength and weakness of the military system.