Relations between the Fatimid and Byzantine empires during the reign of the caliph al-Mustansir bi’llah, 1036–1094/427–487

Throughout the history of the Fatimid empire (909–1176/296–566), Byzantine sources support the idea that contact was kept to a minimum for trade. However, Arab historians reveal that in fact al-Mustansir engaged in correspondence, gift exchanges and embassies with several emperors. Descriptions of these mutual relations in the reign of al-Mustansir are a political mirror to the international effects of events such as the arrival of the Seljuk Turks, uprisings and civil war, and are also a fascinating insight into the diplomacy of Muslims and Christians banding together at a time of significant crisis for both

Ancient history · Archaeology · Byzantine architecture · Diplomacy · Empire · Political science · Politics · Reign · Spanish Civil War · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Byzantine Studies and History · Eurasian Exchange Networks · History · Law