Islam

Muhammad's Death

Jun 8, 632

2 months after Muhammad returns to Mecca, he dies, throwing the Islamic world into turmoil as they scramble for another leader. He did not leave any indication of having a successor and as both the religious and political leader of Muslims, left a vital role empty.

Sunni and Shiite

661

Soon after the death of Muhammad, the Sunni and Shiite sects split over the concern of Muhammad's successor. The Sunni believed he should be elected by voting, while the Shiite believed the position was hereditary. This divide has caused what is called the '1,400 year long war,' and is the root of much unrest in the Middle East.

Islamic Spain

711

Muslim military forces invade and capture the Iberian Peninsula, mingling Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Islamic Spain would become one of the biggest Muslim cities.

Islamic Spain

711

Muslim military conquered the Iberian Peninsula over the span of seven years, effectively combining Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This would become on of Islam's greatest cities where all religions could live in relative peace.

Battle of Tours

Oct 10, 732

Islamic forces fought against the French Army in an attempt to introduce Islam to Europe but were defeated. This prevented them from spreading their religion into Europe, even after conquering Spain, meaning Christianity remained supreme.

The Caliphate.

750

The Umayyad Caliphate is destroyed by the Abbasids, and capital of the Caliphate is moved from Syria to Iraq. (A new group called Shi'ism is formed, a separation from the caliphates). At this time, Muslims have conquered a vast amount of land.

Abbasid Dynasty

850

While this time is in the Golden Age of the Abbasid Caliphate, it is also the time of many wars/raids against the Byzantines. There was civil war and rebellions from the Byzantine Empire.

Islamic Golden Age

900

This is the peak of art and culture in Islam. There are multiple schools, and Muslims are rich and powerful. Many universities, books, etc. appear. The Baghdad House of Wisdom is established. In this time Christian and Jewish scholars came together with Muslims, and things such as the public hospital were created.

Arabian Peninsula

1055

Around this time the Ottoman Empire rose to power, and becomes a sort of 'feudal lord' to Islamic countries. It becomes their protector, and protects pilgrims on religious journies.

The Crusades.

1095

This year is when the First Crusade from the Byzantine Empire went to Islamic land, and from then on was many years of war and bloodshed. Muslims were able to claim Holy Land from the Franks, but it was at many losses. The improvement of the Middle Ages from the crusades thrust the Middle East to the back seat.

Siege of Jerusalem

Jun 7, 1099

In the First Crusade, crusaders held a siege at the walls Jerusalem for 7 days, finally breaking through on June 14th and slaughtering all that lay before them. The defeat of Muslim forces temporarily halted resistance against the crusades.

Third Crusade.

1187

In contrast to the previous siege, in this Jerusalem was claimed peacefully by Salah Ed-Din after defeating the arming of King Guy. However, it was soon rewon by the French King Phillip II and King Richard Lionheart. It was still a proud moment for jihad because of the capturing of Jerusalem.

Sixth Crusade

1216

After the Fifth crusade failed, the Sixth was diplomatic and was more of a discussion-based process than others before/after it. It allowed some claim of Jerusalem to be given to the Byzantine Empire.

Sack of Baghdad

1258

The Mongols, headed by Genghis Khan's grandson, waged war on Baghdad under Abbisad rule, and pillaged it for 10 days. During this time many precious texts, papers, and buildings, including the House of Wisdon, were destroyed. This marks the end of the Golden Age of Islam, and the end of their leaps and bounds in culture.

1300s

1300

Sunni and Shi'i have been constantly vying against each other for control of power, which has led to problematic leadership. At this time the Ottoman Empire rose to power, and the Bubonic Plague was unleashed upon the world.

Exodus

1492

In 1492 is the fall of Islamic Spain. The Spanish monarchy overthrow the remnants of Islam in the peninsula and reestablish Catholicism. The remaining leaders are exiled. Steadily, conditions grow worse until anyone not Catholic (Jews) are cast out from Spain. And this is the fall of Islam - it becomes obsolete in its most powerful city.

Suleyman

1520

Suleyman rises to power over the Ottoman Empire and expands it greatly. Islam has spread from Africa to Southeast Asia, and now a widespread religion. Suleyman helps establish bureaucracy and systems of tax. Islam, though defeated, is able to travel around the world.