In 1260, Jerusalem was conquered by the Mamluks, Muslims from Egypt who had taken control there a decade before. Jerusalem became a marginal city in the Mamluk Empire and its walls apparently remained in ruins. However, many buildings were built in the city – around and on the Temple Mount – among them markets, bathhouses, religious schools, mosques, tombs, etc.

During this time the Franciscan Order became the representative of the Catholic world in the Land of Israel. The Muslims took over the Tomb of King David and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion, and the synagogue of the Jews was destroyed by the Muslim community. It was subsequently rebuilt on orders of the sultan, who lived in Cairo.