The Fatimids were a prosperous and influential dynasty of the Muslim world, conquering Egypt in 969 and establishing a Mediterranean empire. They refined their systems of administration, judiciary, and governance, instilling principles of inclusion which contributed to stability during their caliphate. Fatimid Cairo flourished as a vibrant cultural and intellectual centre. This book charts the Fatimids' expansion, fall, and legacy, drawing on primary sources and including maps and colour images.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Fatimids: A Dynasty of Influence and Prosperity

The Fatimids, a prominent and influential dynasty in the Muslim world, ruled from 909 to 1171. Their unique characteristic was the presence of Imam-caliphs, who claimed religious and political authority directly from the Prophet's family. Their conquest of Egypt in 969 marked the beginning of a flourishing Mediterranean empire. During their reign, the Fatimids refined their administrative, judicial, and governance systems, incorporating principles of inclusivity that contributed to stability within their caliphate. Fatimid Cairo became a vibrant cultural and intellectual center, known for its patronage of the arts, architecture, and scholarship.

This book continues the story of the Fatimids, focusing on their expansion, the reasons behind their eventual downfall at the hands of Saladin, and the enduring legacy they left behind. Author Shainool Jiwa delves into the Fatimids' conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural achievements, drawing on a wide range of primary sources to provide a comprehensive overview of two centuries of Fatimid rule. With maps and color images, this lively and engaging work takes readers on a journey through the triumphs and challenges of the only sustained Shii caliphate to rule across the medieval Islamic world.

Weight: 214g
Dimension: 177 x 111 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780769486