The Banu Kanz were a group of Rabi'a Arabs who had emigrated to Egypt eventually penetrating into the Eastern Desert region east of the Nile around Aswan. In 1004 the Caliph al-Hakim bestowed the title of Kanz al-Dawla upon the leader of the tribe for their capturing of the fugitive Abu Rakwa . They became an important power in the region, gaining control of the Aswan region before being forced to withdraw south to al-Maris after being defeated by the Ayyubids in 1174. The Banu Kanz eventually also conquered much of northern Makuria playing an important role in the destruction of that state.