The Fatimid realm had found itself deep…

The Fatimid realm had found itself deep in crisis due to the revolt of Abū Yazīd (943-947).

However, after the unity of the rebels began to crack, Ismāʿīl, the third Fatimid caliph, had managed to put down the revolt with the help of the Berber Zirids.

Following this victory he took the epithet al-Mansur, and built a new residence at al-Manṣūriyyah near Kairouan.

Al-Manṣūr concerns himself with the reorganization of the Fatimid state, resuming the struggle with the Umayyads of Córdoba in Morocco, and reoccupying Sicily, from where raids into Italy are recommenced.

Rule in Sicily has been reinforced through the installation of the Kalbids as Emirs.

Al-Manṣūr dies after a severe illness on March 19, 953 and leaves his realm to his son al-Mu‘izz.

Al-Muʻizz is renowned for his tolerance of other religions, and was popular among his Jewish and Christian subjects.

He is also credited for having commissioned the invention of the first fountain pen.

In 953, he demands a pen that will not stain his hands or clothes, and is provided with a pen that holds ink in a reservoir.