The Mahdiyya revolt (594–595 AH)

Ibn al-Athir relates that the commander of the army in al-Mahdiyya, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim, took control of the city in 594 AH, then returned to obedience after the death of the Almohad al-Mansur. ²

When Ya'qub al-Mansur returned from Ifriqiya, he appointed Abu Sa'id Uthman over Tunis, his brother Abu Ali Yunus over al-Mahdiyya, and made Muhammad the commander of the army there. Ibn al-Athir says that the Banu Awf fled from the Arabs with their property and families, and sought protection with Abu Sa'id, who ordered that the livestock be returned; Muhammad spoke harshly to him and wanted to strike him. ²

Muhammad went back to al-Mahdiyya in fear, seized the governor Abu Ali Yunus and took control of the city. Then he released him for twelve thousand dinars, which he distributed among the troops, and made an alliance with Ali ibn Ishaq al-Mulaththam, Ibn Ghaniya. ²

When al-Nasir succeeded his father, he sent one army by sea and another by land, and al-Mulaththam fled into the desert. Muhammad said that he was obedient to the commander of the faithful and would only hand the city over to whoever he sent; he sent those who took it from him, and returned to obedience. ²