Fatimid Egypt, 969–1171

The Fatimid dynasty conquered Egypt in 969 and founded Cairo as the centre of an Isma'ili Shi'a caliphate. Its rulers controlled a wealthy state linking the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean and governed large Sunni, Christian and Jewish communities through a court and administrative system centred on the new capital.

Fatimid authority fluctuated under pressure from military factions, famine, regional revolts and rival powers. In 1099 the vizier al-Afdal Shahanshah governed for Caliph al-Musta'li while the First Crusade transformed the political balance in Palestine and culminated in the loss of Jerusalem to the crusaders.

This context is the most specific setting for fiction about Cairo, the Fatimid court and Egyptian society during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Books focused on the crusading campaign should also use the relevant Crusades child context where appropriate.