The Aghlabid dynasty was an Arab dynasty that ruled Ifriqiya from 800 to 909, nominally as vassals of the Abbasid Caliphate. During this time, they also conquered Sicily, Malta, parts of southern Italy, and possibly Sardinia. The dynasty originated from the tribe of Banu Tamim and was founded by Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab, who was appointed by the Abbasid caliph in 800 to rule this province.