Unit 3 Assessment

Muhammad is born

570

In 570 the prophet Muhammad is born. He was the chosen recipient and messenger of the word of God through the divine revelations. Muslims strive their entire lives to follow his example.

The Last Great Roman-Persian War.

602

The long conflict left both empires exhausted and unable to cope with the newly united Arab armies under Islam in the 630s. The war ended when the Byzantines defeated the Sassanids.

Sunni/Shia split in Islam

632

The Sunni/Shia split in Islam began after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE over who should lead the Muslim community. Sunnis believed the leader should be chosen by the people, which led to Abu Bakr becoming the first caliph, while Shia Muslims thought the leader should be from the Prophet's family, supporting Ali, his cousin and son-in-law. This disagreement created different beliefs and practices that still affect the Muslim world today.

Death of Muhammad

Jun 8, 632

On June 8th 632 The Prophet Muhammad died. Historians say the cause of this was most likely a brief illness. The Quran was officially compiled after his death.

Conquest of Arabia

633

The Conquest of Arabia happened in the years of 632-633. The Arab invasion came about as a result of restrictions imposed on Arab traders blocking their ability to trade within Byzantine territory and to send the profits of their trade out of Byzantine territory.

The conquest of Arabia Spread to Syria, Egypt, and Persia

633

The conquest of Arabia Spread to Syria, Egypt, and Persia in the years of 633-651. It spread through a combination of military campaigns, the unification of Arab tribes under Islam, the weakened state of neighboring empires, and effective administrative governance. It laid the foundation for one of the largest empires in history.

Umayyad Caliphate

661

The Umayyad Caliphate existed in the years of 661-750. It was the second caliphate established after the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was ruled by the Umayyad dynasty.

Abbasid Caliphate

750

The Abbasid Caliphate existed in the years 750-1258. It was the third caliphate to succeed the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was founded by a dynasty descended from Muhammad's uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, from whom the dynasty takes its name.

Byzantine Empire

750

The height of the Byzantine Empire was in the years 750-1025.The Byzantine Empire was the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople, which preserved Roman law, culture, and administration after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. It played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and was known for its rich artistic and architectural achievements, as well as its complex political and military history.

Cordoba Caliphate

756

The Cordoba Caliphate existed in the years 756-1031. It was centered in Iberia Spain. The caliphate of Cordoba was a success because Muslims, Jews, and Christians got along as a result of the Islamic leaders who were tolerant of other religions.

The Crusades

1096

The Crusades happened throughout the years of 1096-1291. They were a series of military campaigns organized by popes and Christian Western powers to take Jerusalem and the Holy Land back from Muslim control and then defend those gains. There were eight major official crusades between 1096 and 1291, as well as many more unofficial ones.

Saladin recaptures Jersusalem

1187

Saladin recaptured Jerusalem in 1187 following the Battle of Hattin, where his forces defeated the Crusader army and took control of key strongholds. His victory allowed him to negotiate the peaceful surrender of the city, ensuring safe passage for its Christian inhabitants while restoring Muslim control over Jerusalem. This eventually leads to the third crusade.

The Magna Carta was signed into law

1215

The Magna Carta was issued in June 1215. It was the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law. It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca

1324

In 1324 Musa embarked on a hajj, a religious pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling with 8,000 courtiers, 12,000 servants, and 100 camel loads of pure gold. This journey not only showcased his immense wealth but also established Mali's prominence in the Islamic world and facilitated cultural and economic exchanges between regions. One of the most important impacts was how he significantly connected and influenced Islam and the regions he passed through.

Ibn Battuta's first major journey

1325

In 1325, Ibn Battuta set out from Morocco to Mecca for the Hajj. Ibn Battuta's travels helped people learn about the many different cultures and societies in the Islamic world and beyond during the 14th century. His stories gave important information about places and people, making it easier for others to understand and appreciate different ways of life.

Hundred Years War between France and England

1337

The Hundred Years War between France and England took place in 1337-1453. It was a series of conflicts fought between England and France over succession to the French throne. It lasted 116 years and saw many major battles. The French eventually won the Hundred Years' War. Following their defeat at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French soon recovered and won several battles and finally fully defeated the English at the Battle of Castillon in 1453.

The Black Death/Bubonic Plague

1346

The Black Death happened between the years of 1346 - 1353. It was one of the most fatal pandemics in human history; as many as 50 million people perished, almost 50% of Europe's 14th-century population. The Plague had many effects such as people abandoning their friends and family, fleeing cities, and shutting themselves off from the world.

The Great Schism

1378

The Great Schism of the Catholic Church consisted in the years 1378-1417. It was a division in the Catholic Church where two rival popes, Urban VI in Rome and Clement VII in Avignon, claimed authority. This conflict lasted until 1417 when the Council of Constance resolved the schism by electing Pope Martin V and restoring unity to the Church.

Decline and Fall of The Byzantine Empire

1453

Throughout the years the Byzantine Empire went through a steep decline, due to the schism of 1054, external threats, the Crusades, and the Ottoman Turks. They lost many of their territories to the Islamic Caliphate. The Empire ended in 1453 when the Ottomans successfully conquered Constantinople.

Fall of Byzantine Constantinople

May 29, 1453

In 1453 Byzantine Constantinople fell. It fell after a prolonged siege by the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II. The city's defenses were overwhelmed by advanced artillery and strategic tactics, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and a significant shift in power to the Ottomans.