Zirids

Zirids was a state in Maghreb (North and West Africa) that lasted from 972 to 1148 CE, about 176 years. Its people spoke Berber languages (Numidian, Tuareg, Amazigh dynasties).

Sanhaja Berber governors left in charge when the Fatimids moved to Egypt. Their break with Cairo around 1048 brought the Banu Hilal invasion, and Norman Sicily took Mahdia in 1148.

See Zirids on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: 972 to 1148 CE
Duration: 176 years
Type: State
Region: Maghreb, North and West Africa
Language family: Berber
Capital: Kairouan, later Mahdia

Events in North and West Africa during its time

1050 Banu Hilal migration

Neighbours in North and West Africa

Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE
Fatimid Caliphate 909 to 1171 CE
Almoravid dynasty 1040 to 1147 CE
Makuria c. 450 to 1312 CE
Kanem Empire c. 700 to 1387 CE
Ife c. 1000 to 1420 CE
Almohad Caliphate 1121 to 1269 CE
Zagwe dynasty c. 1137 to 1270 CE
Kingdom of Nri c. 900 to 1911 CE
Alodia c. 500 to 1504 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
Tiwanaku c. 400 to 1000 CE, South America
Abbasid Caliphate 750 to 1258 CE, Middle East
Chola Empire 848 to 1279 CE, South Asia

Questions

When did Zirids exist?

972 to 1148 CE, about 176 years.

Where was Zirids?

Maghreb, in North and West Africa. Its capital was Kairouan, later Mahdia.

What language did Zirids speak?

Berber. This family includes Numidian, Tuareg, Amazigh dynasties.