ابن خلدون was a 14th-century Arab historian and philosopher, best known for his work, the Muqaddimah, which laid the foundations for the study of sociology and historiography. He introduced concepts such as social cohesion and the rise and fall of civilizations, emphasizing the importance of economic and social factors in historical development. Born in Tunis in 1332, ابن خلدون served in various political roles throughout his life, including as a judge and diplomat. His innovative ideas on the cyclical nature of history and the impact of environment on societies have influenced many scholars and thinkers, making him a pivotal figure in the study of history and social sciences.