The Laws of Dynasties: Uncovering the Surprising Cycle of Rulership

According to the 14th century historian and philosopher Ibn Khaldun, dynasties have a natural lifespan. The early years of a dynasty are characterized by expansive growth, a desert toughness, an ethos of hard work and little desire for worldly luxuries. The second generation of the dynasty continues in the legacy of the founders, but growth slows as leaders begin to place more emphasis on the luxuries of urban palace life than on administration and leadership. By the third generation, the decay of the dynasty is complete as the leaders and viziers are so consumed by luxury and pleasure that the state cannot protect itself from internal or external threats due to the negligence of the rulers. At that point, the cycle begins all over again as a new dynasty rises to replace the old decrepit one. In this framework, the Muslim world in the mid to late 13th century was clearly in the third phase of Ibn Khaldun's dynastic theory.

The Laws of Dynasties: Uncovering the Surprising Cycle of Rulership #youtubeshorts #youtubeshortsvideo #viral #books #history #generalknowledge #viral #books