904 The Mohammedans capture Thessalonica.
905 Muktafi takes Egypt from the Tulunites and gives it to the Ikhshidites.
908 Death of Muktafi. His son, Muktadir, succeeds. Rebellion in favour of Abdallah b. Motazz is put down and Abdallah killed. Muktadir is a weak caliph, who leaves the government to his ministers. Establishment of the Fatimite dynasty in Egypt and Africa. It subverts the Aglabite and Edrisite dynasties. During the remainder of Muktadir’s reign, the Byzantines invade Mesopotamia and the Karmathians recommence their disorders. The caliph’s inaction and indolence cause a reaction against him.
930 He is deposed and his brother, Kahir, made caliph, but he recovers the throne. Revolt of Mosul and foundation of the Hamdanite dynasty in Mesopotamia. The Karmathians seize Mecca and carry off the Black Stone of the Kaaba.
932 Death of Muktadir in battle with his rebellious minister, Munis. His brother, Kahir, succeeds.
933 Foundation of the Buyid dynasty in Persia. The caliphate is reduced to the province of Baghdad.
934 Kahir deposed and blinded. His nephew, Radhi, succeeds. He creates the office of emir of the emirs, corresponding to mayor of the palace. He is the last caliph to possess any considerable spiritual or temporal power.
939 Capture of Mosul.
940 Death of Radhi, succeeded by his brother, Muttaki. Al-Baridi, the head of a Chaldean principality, besieges Baghdad, but is repulsed.
944 Turun seizes Muttaki and puts his eyes out. Mustafki, son of Muktafi, is chosen by Turun to succeed. Owing to the unpopularity of Zirak, the emir of the emirs, the people call upon Akhmed, the Buyid ruler, who establishes himself vizir to the caliph with title Muiz ad-Daula. He and his successors, under the title of emir of the emirs, absorb all political power.