The past seven years of Thimal's reign over Aleppo have been mostly peaceful.

Tribute has been paid to the Emperor in Constantinople, who has promoted several Mirdasid officials with imperial titles.

In Baghdad, a revolt by Basasiri against the Seljuqs, who had taken the city in 1055, receives support from Thimal.

By 1057, however, Thimal is having difficulties with the Kilab, who are displeased that they are not treated as well as his Numayrid allies.

The Mirdasids decide that the situation is beyond dealing with and offer to give the Fatimid caliph Aleppo in exchange for several coastal towns, including …