How the Fatimid Caliphate Ruled the Mediterranean Economy

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the forgotten economic empire of the Fatimid Caliphate — a Shia Ismaili dynasty that dominated the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean trade routes from its capital in Cairo. We follow the rise of the Fatimids from their origins in North Africa to the founding of Cairo in 969 CE, and examine how they controlled the flow of gold from West Africa, textiles from Egypt, and spices from the East. Key figures include Caliph al-Mu'izz, the vizier al-Aziz billah, and the Jewish merchant Joseph ibn Awkal, whose letters from the Cairo Geniza reveal the inner workings of a global trading network. We discuss the Fatimid policy of religious tolerance, their use of commercial treaties with rivals like the Byzantine Empire, and the role of the Karimi merchants in monopolizing the spice trade. The episode also touches on the rivalry with the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad and the impact of the Crusades on Fatimid commerce. Join us for a story of luxury goods, diplomatic cunning, and one of the wealthiest caliphates in history. #FatimidCaliphate #Cairo #MediterraneanTrade #IndianOceanTrade #Ismaili #NorthAfrica #ByzantineEmpire #CairoGeniza #JosephibnAwkal #AlMuizz #SpiceTrade #GoldTrade #KarimiMerchants #AbbasidCaliphate #Crusades #MedievalTrade #FexingoHistory #History #SilkRoad #HanDynasty Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo