Spread of Islam and Decline

Death of Muhammad

Oct 4, 632

The followers of Muhammad fall into grief. Abu Bakr, the prophet's father-in-law, becomes the first caliph. This is important because the people who looked up to Muhammad grew uncertain for the future.

Death of Ali

Oct 4, 661

Ali is assassinated which caused the split of Islam. The division was between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Shiite's believed that Muhammad's successor should be someone from his bloodline whereas the Sunni's believed that the caliph should be chosen by leaders of the muslim community.

Muslim Armies Cross into Spain and Push in France

Oct 4, 711

Muslims invaded and eventually conquered the Iberian peninsula, it become one of the greatest civilizations. Spain began to do very well and became the heart of the Muslim community.

Muslim Armies Defeated at Battle of Tours

Oct 4, 732

This is important because it stopped the Muslims from spreading into Western Europe.

Abu al-Abbas Captured Damascus

Oct 4, 750

Abu al-Abbas founded the Abbassid dynasty. The Abbassid dynasty ended Arab dominance. The Abbassid also helped make Islam a 'universal religion'.

Abbasid Control Over the Arab Empire Cracked

Oct 4, 850

This led to the eruption of civil wars and Shiites started taking over parts of the empire.

Seljuk Turks Migrated into the Middle East from Central Asia

Oct 4, 900

Islam was adopted by the Seljuk Turks and they also built a large empire across the Fertile Crescent.

Seljuk Turks Capture Baghdad

Oct 4, 1055

The Turks adopted Persian culture, and they converted to Islam.

First Crusade

Oct 4, 1095

Seljuk interference with Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem led the Pope to call for it. This was a long and bloody fight.

Christian Crusaders Captured Jerusalem

Oct 4, 1099

This was the start of the city being passed around between Christians and Muslims for as long as 150 years.

The Battle of Hattin

Jul 4, 1187

The battle of hattin took place near Tiberias between the Crusaders of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Ayyubid Sultan's, Salah ad-Din, Army. Saladin's army was able to defeat the Crusaders. This made muslims the dominant military power in the middle east again, having captured Jerusalem and nearby cities.

The Battle of Nakur

Oct 4, 1216

The Marinids defeat the Almohads under the leader Abdul Haq at the Battle of Nakur

Siege of Baghdad

Oct 4, 1258

Illkhanate Mongol Forces capture Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. The center of the Muslim religion has been destroyed.

The Ottoman Empire

Oct 4, 1300

Muslim merchants and Sufis move to southeast Asia. Uthman begins the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire begins to take over muslim and non-muslim lands.

Capture of Granada

Oct 4, 1492

Castile and Aragon capture the city of Granada. All muslims and jews get expelled from Spain.

Ottoman Empire Peaks

Oct 4, 1520

The Ottoman Empire peaks after having recently captured Syria, Mecca, Medina, and Egypt. Suleyman the Magnificent becomes new ruler.