jalut

Jalut, also known as Ain Jalut (Arabic: عين جالوت), is a locality in the Jezreel Valley in northern Israel. The name translates to "Spring of Goliath," with Jalut being the Arabic name for the biblical figure Goliath. The site centers on a perennial spring that has long supplied water to surrounding settlements and historically marked a notable pass through the valley.

The most notable aspect of Jalut is its association with the Battle of Ain Jalut, fought in 1260 between the Mamluk sultanate of Egypt and the Mongol Ilkhanate. The Mamluks, under commanders such as Qutuz and Baybars, defeated Hulagu Khan’s forces, halting the westward advance of the Mongol Empire into the Levant and Egypt. This battle is often described as a turning point in medieval history, preventing further Mongol incursions into the Middle East and influencing subsequent political and military developments in the region.

In modern times, Ain Jalut is recognized as a historical site in the Jezreel Valley. It is referenced in regional heritage discussions and scholarly works on Mongol–Mamluk interactions and Middle Eastern history. The site’s natural features, including the spring, are noted in geographic and archaeological descriptions of the area.

Etymology and usage: Jalut is the Arabic form of Goliath, hence Ain Jalut means "Spring of Goliath." The name reflects both the spring’s presence and the historical associations attached to the site.