Fatimid Caliphate
RegionEgypt/North Africa
Period909-1171
Founded ByAbdullah al-Mahdi Billah
About Fatimid Caliphate
An Ismaili Shia caliphate founded in North Africa that conquered Egypt in 969 and founded Cairo. It established al-Azhar, which became one of the oldest continuously operating universities. Fatimid trade networks reached across the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Saladin ended the dynasty in 1171.