“The impact of the Fatimid conquest of Egypt was mainly economic.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the impact of the Fatimid conquest of Egypt was mainly economic. Examples of impact may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the Fatimid development of agriculture and industry in Egypt. Low tariff policies encouraged trade and created enormous wealth. The cultivation of cash crops and flax was encouraged and these were traded for goods from across the region, as Cairo and Alexandria became the most important commercial centres in the Mediterranean. However, the conquest of Egypt also had a strong political impact as it raised the prestige and military power of the Fatimids and supported their claim to the caliphate. Egypt became a strategic base for the expansion of Fatimid missionary efforts in Africa and Asia, and Egypt's wealth allowed the creation of a university and support for intellectual and cultural developments, which raised Fatimid prestige. It may be noted that political, religious and intellectual developments were made possible by economic development in Egypt. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.