Go Back
The Fatimid Caliphate was an Ismaili Shia empire that ruled North Africa and later Egypt from 909 to 1171. It founded Cairo and Al-Azhar University. It challenged the Sunni Abbasids for leadership of the Islamic world.
The Fatimids built a wealthy state based on Red Sea trade. Their power declined due to internal strife and foreign mercenaries. Saladin abolished the caliphate in 1171.