Hafsid Kingdom (Sultanate of Tunis)

• Coat of arms
• Capital – Tunis
• Languages
• Religion (s)
• Government – Monarchy

The Hafsids are a dynasty who rule Ifriqiya.

The dynasty has organised the administration in Ifriqiya and built Tunis up as the economic and cultural centre of the empire. At the same time, many fleeing the Spanish Reconquista of Castile and Aragon are also arriving.

Recently the empire underwent a temporary decline after it was twice conquered by the Merinids of Morocco. Ultimately, the Hafsids were able to regain their empire. During the same period plague epidemics caused a considerable fall in population, further weakening the empire.

Under the Hafsids, commerce with Europe grew significantly, however piracy grew as well. The Hafsids attacked the island of Malta, and took 3000 slaves although they did not conquer the island. The profits were used for a great building programme and to support art and culture. However, piracy also provoked retaliation from Aragon and Venice, which several times attacked Tunisian coastal cities. Under Utman the Hafsids have reached their zenith, as the caravan trade through the Sahara and with Egypt has been developed, as well as sea trade with Venice and Aragon. The Bedouins and the cities of the empire became largely independent, leaving the Hafsids in control of only Tunis and Constantine.