Al-Muqtafi vs Wuqimai

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.

Wuqimai, as regent for Aguda, negotiated the Alliance Conducted at Sea with the Northern Song dynasty. The alliance agreed to jointly attack the Liao dynasty, with the Jin taking the Liao capitals and the Song recovering the Sixteen Prefectures.

After the fall of the Liao, Wuqimai launched a two-pronged invasion of the Northern Song dynasty. The Jin army besieged Kaifeng, forcing the Song emperor to sue for peace and pay heavy indemnities.

Wuqimai's forces captured Kaifeng, the Song capital, and seized Emperor Qinzong and his father Huizong. The two emperors were taken north as captives, ending the Northern Song dynasty and beginning the Southern Song.