Qarmatian coins minted in Palestine (358/969م - 368/978م )

Abstract

This study examines the Qarmatian coins minted in Mandatory Palestine, within its boundaries as known today, including Ramla, the capital of Palestinian region, and Tiberias, the capital of the Jordanian region during the Qarmatian period in the mid-fourth century AH / tenth century CE. The Qarmatians minted dinars and dirhams at the Palestine mint (Ramla) and the Tiberias mint during the years 358–368 AH, except for the years 363 and 364 AH, during which they lost control of the country. During the Qarmatian period, Palestine also minted coins in the name of the Fatimids, except in 362 A H, when warfare and control over Palestine fluctuated between the two parties in an ongoing struggle. The coins minted in Palestine between 358 and 368 A H reflect the political, economic, and security conditions experienced by Palestine and the wider region. This is evident in the recording of the names and titles of political and military leaders among the competing powers. The coinage also illustrates the Qarmatians’ ability to conclude political and military alliances, whether with the Ikhshidids or the Abbasids, to achieve their goals of controlling the Levant and Palestine.