Examine the contribution of religious relations to the maintenance of power of the Fatimid Empire.

Candidates will consider the interrelationship between religious relations and the Fatimid Empire’s maintenance of power. Candidates may refer to Fatimid toleration of the Sunni majority in their empire. This created internal peace, as did their harmonious relations with Christians and Jews. The employment of individuals by merit and not religious faith was crucial to maintaining and expanding power, both politically and economically. The Fatimids prospered by maintaining good commercial relations with Italy and Constantinople and welcoming foreign merchants to the empire regardless of their faith. However, increasing conflict with Sunni powers such as the Seljuks began to weaken their power outside Egypt, and caused them to be attacked and defeated by Saladin. Conflict with the Crusaders and the schism within the Isma‘ili community contributed to their collapse. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.