Abu Aamir Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abi Aamir, born in the area of Algeciras and descended from a noble member of the Arab army that conquered Spain, had arrived at the Umayyad Court of Cordoba as a student studying law and literature.

He began his career as a professional letter writer, becoming the protégé; (and supposedly the lover) of the mother of the young Hisham II, becoming manager of the infant prince’s estates.

In the space of a few years, he had schemed his way from this humble position to considerable heights of influence, eliminating his political rivals in the process.

When Caliph Al-Hakam died in 976, Ibn Abi Amir had been instrumental in securing the succession of the young Hisham II, aged twelve, to the throne.

With the aid of his father-in-law, General Galib ibn Abd al-Rahman, he overthrows and succeeds the Hajib (a title similar to that of Grand Vizier in the Muslim East), or Chancellor in 978.

By giving African territories local independence under Umayyad suzerainty, Abu Aamir Muhammad reduces the drain on government resources.