Medieval Egypt, spanning from the 7th to the 15th century, was a significant period marked by the rise of the Islamic Caliphates. After the Arab conquest in 641, Egypt became a vital part of the Umayyad and later the Abbasid empires, flourishing in trade, culture, and scholarship. The capital, Cairo, founded in 969, became a center of learning and commerce. During this time, Egypt was known for its advancements in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The Fatimid dynasty, which ruled from the 10th to 12th centuries, promoted arts and architecture, leading to the construction of iconic structures like the Al-Azhar Mosque.