The Rise and Decline of Islam

Muhammad dies and Abu Bakr is his 'successor'.

Sep 28, 632

Muhammad dies in the year 632. A man named Abu Bakr was determined to continue his work in the Islamic faith. Abu Bakr was chosen as the first caliph. At first many refused to follow him because he was not Muhammad, but he soon did reunite the Arabs under the Islamic faith.

Fourth Caliph Murdered

Sep 30, 661

In the year 661, the fourth caliph, Ali, is murdered. The next caliph is then chosen, Mu'awiya. This year is also the start of Umayyad Caliphate.

The Start of Islamic Spain

Sep 30, 711

In the year 711, Muslim forces invaded the Iberian peninsula. 7 years later it was conquered by them.

Muslim Empire Reaches Furthest Extent, Battle of Tours Prevents Further Northwards Advance

Oct 5, 732

In the year 732, forces under Frankish leader Charles Martel and an invading Islamic army lead by Emir Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi Abd al Rahman fought the Battle of Tours near Tours, France.

Damascus Captured by Abu al-Abbas

Oct 5, 750

The Umayyad dynasty, that ruled the Islamic world, lasted until this year, 750. In this year, Damascus was captured by Abu al-Abbas, who also killed the already defeated Amayyad family, and then founded the Abbassid dynasty. The Abbassid dynasty helped make Islam a universal religion.

Abbassid Control over Arab Empire Fragments

Oct 5, 850

Starting in the year 850, the Abbassid dynasty's control over the Arab empire began to shatter. Independent dynasties began to rule separate Muslim states, and the caliph's power faded. Civil wars broke out.

Seljuk Turks Migrated to Middle East

Oct 5, 900

In the 900s the Seljuk Turks moved from Central Asia to the Middle East and adopted Islam. They built a empire across the Fertile Crescent.

Seljuk Authority Controls Baghdad and Pushes Forward

Oct 5, 1055

In the year 1055, a Seljuk authority really controlled Baghdad, leaving the Abbassid caliph simply as a figurehead. The Seljuks continue to push into Asia Minor, and threaten the Byzantine Empire.

Pope Urban the Second Calls for First Crusade

Oct 5, 1095

In the year 1095, after Christian pilgrims who were traveling to Jerusalem with the Pope were interfered with by the Seljuks, Pope Urban the Second called for the First Crusade.

Christian Crusaders Capture Jerusalem

Oct 5, 1099

After a bloody war, in 1099 Christian crusaders managed to capture Jerusalem. For 150 years, the city was then fought for and passed back and forth between Christians and Muslims.

Christians Driven Out From Jerusalem

Oct 5, 1187

In 1187, the Christians were driven out of Jerusalem by the Muslim general Salah al-Din, also known by Saladin.

Mongols Led Out of Central Asia

Oct 5, 1216

In 1216, a man named Genghiz Khan led the Mongols out of Central Asia through Mesopotamia and Persia, but the Mongol armies kept returning.

Last Abbassid Caliph Murdered

Oct 5, 1258

In the year 1258, Genghiz's grandson, named Hulagu, looted and burned Baghdad, therefore killing the last Abassid caliph. Later the Mongols then adopted Islam.

Mongol Leader Tamerlane Led Armies to Middle East

Oct 5, 1300

In the late 1300s, Timur the Lame, also known by Tamerlane, a Mongol leader, led his armies into the Middle East. He was a Muslim himself, but he conquered both Muslim and non-Muslim lands, including Mesopotamia and India.

Christians Capture Last Muslim Stronghold

Oct 5, 1492

In the year 1492, Christians seized the last Muslim stronghold, and all Muslims and Jews began to be expelled from Spain.

Reign of Suleyman the Magnificent

Oct 5, 1520

Around the year 1520, Suleyman the Magnificent, the tenth and longest-reigning sultan rules the Ottoman empire. The Ottoman empire takes Hungary and Tunisia.