Berber Revolt

The uprising of the Maysara was a Berber uprising against Arab rule in the years 740-742.

After the subjugation of the Maghreb by the Muslims under Hassan ibn Musa ibn an- Numan and Nusayr ( 700-710 ), the Berbers were quickly converted to Islam and took already 711 part in the conquest of the kingdom of the Visigoths in Spain. However, refusing the Arab Muslims who occupied leadership positions in government and the military, the Islamized Berbers equality and the participation in power.

So it was already 739 the revolt of the Berbers against Arab domination. Leader was Maysara al - Matghari, which reached the union of Miknasa, Bargawata and the Magrawastämme. The rebels turned to large parts of the Kharijite Islam, which seemed better recognize their status as Muslims and Sunni Islam of the Arab leadership.

The Berbers under Maysara conquered Tangier and defeated an army which was ferried from Andalusia to Morocco. In the aftermath Maysara adopted the title of caliph, but was soon deposed and murdered because of arrogance.

Despite the assassination of Maysara the insurgents were more successful and defeated 740 an army of the Caliph at the Battle of Sabu ( " Battle of the Noble "). A newly reinforced army (supposedly 70,000 men ) was trounced by the Berbers on Sabu and forced to retreat to Andalusia. Only after two defeats the Berber Kairouan before the revolt was quelled by the Arabs.

Nevertheless, the direct management of the Caliphate over the Berbers in the Maghreb was badly shaken and partially collapsed. Already 749 formed on the Atlantic coast of the kingdom of Bargawata 757 and founded Miknasa - Berber, the emirate Sijilmasa. At the latest with the Empire of the realm of Idrisids the Caliphate had lost its control over Morocco.