Al-Hakim, the Crazy Caliph of Cairo, AD 996-1021

WillieBoyd2

Al-Hakim (Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah) became the Caliph of Egypt at the age of 11 in AD 996. Reportedly his mother was a Christian slave. Due to his age a Barjawan, an eunuch, was appointed as regent. In AD 1000 the Barjawan was murdered and Al-Hakim, at the age of 14, began to act as Caliph.

The Fatimid Dynasty, the Islamic rulers of Egypt, had allowed Christian pilgrims to visit Palestine and Jerusalem and was making money from these visits.

In 1004 he began a campaign of persecution against Christians and Jews including the closing of holy places and churches in Egypt and Palestine. In 1009 he ordered the destruction of the of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and when news of this sacrilege reached Europe some people suggested that Christian soldiers be sent to the Holy Land to take control of it. Al-Hakim is sometimes blamed for first inciting the Crusades which began over 80 years later in 1095.

In 1012 he again allowed Christians and Jews to practice their religion.

He began passing strange laws, such as outlawing the playing of chess and ordering the shoemakers not to make any women's shoes. He also began killing his officials and slaves.

He became increasingly erratic and feared by his officials, soldiers and subjects. He finally declared himself to be the Mahdi (the Messiah of Islam) and then to be God.

In 1021 Al-Hakim disappeared and a search found only his donkey and clothing.

I just had to get a coin of Al-Hakim and finally I did:

Fatimid Caliphate Dinar, Al-Hakim, Cairo, AH 401 (AD 1011)
Gold, 20.0 mm, 3.65 gm, Struck at Misr (Cairo Egypt)

Obverse:
Margin: In the name of God, this dinar was minted in Misr in the year 401
Field: Al-Hakim Bi-Amr Allah, Commander of the Faithful
Reverse:
Margin: Al-Mansur Abu Ali, Servant of God and Imam
Field: Muhammad is the messenger of God, Ali is the chosen one of God

Many of Al-Hakim's coins are very hard to read possibly because the conditions were affecting workers at the mints.