The end of Islamic rule in Crete, the last exodus of the Muslims of the Emirate of Crete and the re-establishment of Byzantine Christian rule (961 CE)

Abstract

This article is an attempt at a comprehensive insight into the reasons for the refusal of the most important Islamic states, i.e. Umayyad Spain, Ikhshīdid Egypt and Maghrebian Africa, to assist the emirate of Crete on the eve of the Byzantines’ expedition to reconquer the island of Crete (960-961 CE), followed by the exodus of a considerable part of the Muslim population and the reestablishment of Byzantine rule. Special attention is given to the Arabic source Al-Mu‘jib fī Talkhis Akhbār al-Maghrib by ‘Abd al-Wāḥid al-Marrākushi. A fragment of this source, along with my English translation, is presented for the first time. It describes the exodus of the Muslim population of Crete on the eve of the Byzantines’ siege of Chandax, the capital of the emirate of Crete (960). According to this source, part of the Muslim population embarked on the warships of the emirate of Crete and headed towards Alexandria, Sicily or Umayyad Spain (Dār al-Islām). Thus, a considerable part of the Muslim population of Crete escaped, but simultaneously the defense was weakened because of the loss of a large number of their warships which never returned to Crete. In conclusion, this discussion emphasizes the need for further research focused on the relevant Arabic sources which, along with renewed archaeological excavations, can complete our knowledge of the emirate of Crete and the causes of its fall in 960-961 CE.

Keywords

• emirate of crete
• umayyad spain
• ikhshīdid egypt
• maghrebian fatimids
• ‘abd alwāḥid al-marrākushī