Evaluate the role of political and economic factors in the foundation of the Fatimid dynasty.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the role of political and economic factors, weighing up their importance or otherwise to the foundation of the Fatimid dynasty. Regarding political factors, candidates may suggest that the Fatimids were able to expand their territory eastwards into formerly ‘Abbasid Egypt from Tunisia, exploiting a political vacuum because of weakness in Baghdad. The Fatimids gave all inhabitants of their empire access to influence in the political power-structure, regardless of religion. This attracted talented individuals who strengthened the dynasty. In terms of economic factors, candidates may refer to the foundation of Cairo as the capital of the empire in 969, which established dominance of the fertile Nile region, as well as strengthening trade routes into Africa up the Nile, in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. The Fatimids also emphasized long-distance trade established through diplomatic contacts.