Discuss the reasons for, and the results of, the Fatimid conquest of Egypt.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of both the reasons for and the results of the Fatimid conquest of Egypt. The causes may predate and the results may go beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of causes and results or they may emphasize their discussion of one of these; however, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to a range of reasons such as weakening ‘Abbasid power, strong Fatimid military forces and the popularity of Fatimid policies. For results, candidates may refer to Cairo becoming a cultural and economic centre, subsequent territorial expansion across North Africa and the Middle East, and the development of an extensive network of trade in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.