Maysara Al-Matghari

   He was the leader of a revolt (738-740) against Arab domination of several Berber tribes particularly exacerbated by the harsh rule of the Arab governor of Tangier. He was a Matghara tribesman who had made a living as a waterman in Al-Qayrawan, and he brought about, under the influence of the heterodox Kharijite doctrine, an alliance of the Matghara, Maknassa, and Barghwata confederations. They took up arms, soon became masters of Tangier, and repelled the Arab troops sent from Spain to establish order. As a result, Maysara assumed the title of caliph and with such pride that he was assassinated by his own people. Under his successor, Khalid Ibn Ahmed, a Zanata chieftain, the confederates conquered the plains of the Sous on the Atlantic coast and routed an army of the caliph at the banks of the Sabou River in the so-called Ghazwat al-ashraf (Battle of the Nobles) of 740. A second army was beaten the following year, and the revolt spread. It was finally subdued in two battles at the gates of al-Qayrawan in 742.