Discuss the reasons for the decline of the Fatimids.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the Fatimids went into decline. Candidates may refer to the impact of the rule of al-Hakim (996–1021) which was a critical period in that he pursued an aggressive policy of persecution of Christians and Jews that led to growing opposition to his authority. The power of the caliphs was also challenged by military officers who became semi-independent at the frontiers of the empire when charged with the collection of taxes and the protection of lands. The development and significance of conflict within the army, or the impact—in the 11th century—of the decision of the Zirids (the Berber governors of North Africa) to declare independence from the Fatimids in favour of recognizing the Sunni ‘Abbasid caliphs of Baghdad may also be discussed as reasons for the decline of the Fatimids.