The Fatimid Caliphate: An Ismaili Empire of Tolerance and Conquest

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Fatimid Caliphate, a Shi'a Ismaili dynasty that ruled North Africa, Egypt, and parts of the Levant from 909 to 1171. They examine how the Fatimids established their caliphate in opposition to the Sunni Abbasids, founding Cairo as their capital and building Al-Azhar University and Mosque. Lucas delves into the reign of al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah, who moved the capital to Egypt, and discusses the governance of the diverse empire under the principles of da'wa (missionary outreach). They also cover the decline under al-Mustansir and the rise of the vizier Badr al-Jamali, and the eventual fall to Saladin's Ayyubid dynasty. The episode highlights the Fatimids' religious tolerance toward Christians and Jews, their use of Berber and African soldiers, and their economic prosperity based on trade with the Indian Ocean. #FatimidCaliphate #IsmailiShia #Cairo #AlAzharUniversity #AlMuizz #AlMustansir #BadralJamali #Saladin #AyyubidDynasty #Berber #JawharalSiqilli #Daawa #Ifriqiya #Mahdia #Fustat #History #FexingoHistory #WorldHistory #MauryanEmpire #AshokaTheGreat Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo