Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603) was one of the most significant rulers in the history of Morocco. A brilliant political and military tactician, cunning diplomat and descendent of the Prophet Muhammad himself, al-Mansur was a charismatic religious authority with ambitions to become Caliph and ruler of all Islam. Spanning four continents, this introduction assesses this fascinating figure and his legacy amidst the political intrigue, colonial discovery, and military conquest that dominated the age.