The ten emirs of Crete

According to the inscriptions on Arab coins dating from this period, ten rulers bearing the title of Emir "reigned" over the island. The first was Abu Hafs Omar I ibn Suab, who took the island and remained in power for approximately 30 years, up until 855. The last ruler of the island was Abd al-Aziz ibn Suab, known to the Byzantines as Kouroupas, who was taken prisoner by Nicephorus Phocas after the fall of Chandax.