Mamluks were Muslim slave warriors who established a dynasty in Egypt. The word Mamluk was literally translated as slave, suggesting Turk origins. The Mamluks began as servants to the Muslim overlords, but began to rise through military ranks, eventually seizing power for themselves. However, in the late 18th century, Egypt was invaded by the Europeans, even though it brought little advantage to Napoleon or the French. This was a sign of how vulnerable Muslim core areas had been to European aggression and war.