The Fatimid Caliphs were a dynasty that ruled over a vast empire in North Africa and the Middle East from the 10th to the 12th centuries. They claimed descent from Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and her husband Ali. The Fatimids established Cairo as their capital and became known for their contributions to trade, culture, and architecture. Under the Fatimid Caliphs, the empire flourished, promoting Ismaili Shia Islam and establishing a unique religious and political identity. They were notable for their advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy in the regions they governed.