Fatimids

Fatimids, Muslim dynasty that ruled a North African empire from its conquest of Egypt in A.D. 969 until 1171. The first rulers claimed descent from Fatima, Muhammad's youngest daughter. In 969 al-Mu'izz established his capital at Cairo, bringing a religious and cultural renaissance to the city. At one time all of North Africa, Sicily, and Syria were under Fatimid rule, but the dynasty was overthrown in 1171 by Saladin.