Al-Muqtafi vs Dermot MacMurrough

Upon becoming caliph, Al-Muqtafi began to reassert caliphal authority over Baghdad. He expelled Seljuk officials from the city and appointed his own viziers, marking a reversal of decades of Seljuk domination.

Al-Muqtafi reformed the caliphal army by recruiting new troops and reducing reliance on Seljuk mercenaries. He established a standing army loyal to the caliph, which enabled his military successes.

Al-Muqtafi successfully defended Baghdad against a Seljuk siege led by Sultan Mas'ud. The caliph's forces repelled the attack, solidifying his control over the city and demonstrating the caliphate's renewed military capability.

Al-Muqtafi expanded caliphal territory by conquering several towns in Iraq, including Wasit and Kufa. These conquests restored the caliphate's territorial base and increased its revenue and prestige.

Dermot MacMurrough, deposed King of Leinster, traveled to Wales and England to recruit Norman mercenaries to help him regain his kingdom. He secured the support of Richard de Clare (Strongbow) and other Cambro-Norman knights, offering them land and marriage alliances.

The first Norman forces landed at Bannow Bay in County Wexford, led by Robert Fitz-Stephen. They quickly captured the towns of Wexford and Waterford, establishing a foothold in Ireland that would lead to centuries of English rule.

To secure Norman support, Dermot arranged the marriage of his daughter Aoife to Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow). This marriage gave Strongbow a claim to the Kingdom of Leinster, deepening Norman involvement in Irish affairs.