The Hamdanid dynasty was an Arab family that ruled parts of the Levant and Mesopotamia during the 10th and 11th centuries. Founded by Hamdan ibn Hamdun, the dynasty is best known for its capital in Aleppo and its patronage of arts and sciences, particularly during the reign of Sayf al-Dawla. The Hamdanids were significant in the political landscape of the time, often engaging in conflicts with the Byzantine Empire and other regional powers. Their rule is marked by cultural achievements, including poetry and architecture, which contributed to the rich heritage of the Islamic Golden Age.