969 CE
The Fatimid conquest of Egypt and the founding of Cairo established a new center of power in the Islamic world that would rival Baghdad and Cordoba in wealth, learning, and influence.
Conflict & Diplomacy
- The Fatimid general Jawhar al-Siqilli conquered Egypt from the weakened Ikhshidid dynasty, bringing the wealthy Nile valley under Fatimid control and shifting the center of Fatimid power from North Africa to the eastern Mediterranean.
- Jawhar founded the new royal city of al-Qahira (Cairo) as the seat of Fatimid government, adjacent to the older city of Fustat. Cairo would grow to become one of the largest and most important cities in the medieval world.
Civilizations & Culture
- The Fatimids, who adhered to Ismaili Shia Islam, would soon establish al-Azhar mosque and its associated educational institution in Cairo, which became one of the world's great centers of Islamic learning.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 276 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.
Population & Demographics
- World population is estimated to have been approximately 304 million.