BRIDGES AND ROADS TO MAMLUK GAZA AND BEYOND

Under the Mamluk sultan Baybars (r. 1260-76), four bridges were constructed on the main road leading north from Gaza (soon to become a provincial capital) to just beyond Ludd (Lydda). We suggest here that this was part of an overall effort to improve transportation and communication in Palestine, both to facilitate the quick movement of troops, and to encourage trade and travel between Egypt and Syria and within the region itself. Starting in this period, we also see the establishment in Palestine (and beyond) of postal horse relay stations (the barīd) and a network of khans (caravanserais), along with a system of pigeon posts. The study focuses on the topography of the region north of Gaza to understand the location of the bridges, and how this corresponded to the local road system and khans. Subsequently, building techniques of the bridges are discussed, as is the wider historical – military, economic and social – context. The symbolic effect of bridges and their contribution to the legitimacy of the rulers and the Mamluk state as a whole are not forgotten. In general, we see here further examples how the Mamluks (who ruled in greater Syria from 1260-1516) contributed decisively to the changing landscape of the country and its overall development.