• Forces of fragmentation were strong in Islamic world
  • Despite this, maintained measure of unity through trade and language
• Islamic Sunni/Shi’ite split became source of polarization
• In tenth century, group of Shi’ites named Fatimids assembled
  • Allied with Berbers and established themselves in Tunisia in 909
  • In 969, declared themselves rulers of Egypt
  • Dynasty lasted for about two hundred years
• Unlike other Islamic states, Spanish emirate of Cordoba was created in 756
  • During Abbasid revolution, Abd al-Rahman fled and invaded Spain with army
  • Ruled over broad range of people, allowed Christians and Jews freedom of worship
  • Abd al-Rahman was powerful enough to take title of caliph