In portions of Algeria, the earliest known inhabitants were cattle herders and hunters from 8,000 and 2,000 B.C. During the Punic Wars, the Berber Chieftain, Massinissa, established the first Algerian kingdom. Algeria became part of the powerful Berber empires of the Almoravids and Almohads. Tlemcen became the eastern capital of the Almohads and their eastern seaports thrived on trade with European markets.
The Almohad Dynasty was established in North Africa and Spain during the 12th and 13th centuries. The founder of the dynasty was Ibn Tumart and he took the title of Caliph. His successors, Abd al-Mumin, Yusuf II, and Yakub I, succeeded in conquering Morocco and Muslim Spain. By 1174, the Almohads completely relocated the Almoravids. Like the Almoravids, the Almohads found their initial inspiration in Islamic reform. Rejected in Marrakech and other cities, Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tumart turned for support to his Masmuda tribe in the Atlas Mountains. Because of their emphasis on the unity of God, his followers were known as Al Muwahhidun, or Almohads. The Almohad culture flourished; crafts and agriculture were the center of life and in 1229 they returned to a system of law that had a greater tolerance for certain acts. The Almohad Dynasty flourished until the Spanish and Portuguese defeated them at Navas de Tolosa. In Morocco they lost power to the Merinid Dynasty, which took Marrakech in 1269.
Written By Michelle Barta
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