Ibn Khaldun
1332–1406 · Tunisian/Arab · Late Medieval
Known for: Invented sociology, historiography, and economics—600 years before Europeans claimed they did
Ambitious, original, and politically active. His Muqaddimah analyzed history as a science, identifying patterns of group solidarity (asabiyyah) driving civilizations' rise and fall.
He met Tamerlane during the siege of Damascus and reportedly impressed the conqueror. He served as judge, diplomat, and advisor across North Africa and the Middle East.
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