The Muslim Empire

The Empire Expands through Conquest

Muslim rule expanded rapidly in the first three centuries after Muhammad’s death, through trade, pilgrimage, and military conquest

Abu Bakr defeated the Byzantines at Damascus in 634 C.E. in his quest to dominate the Arabian Peninsula

In 637 C.E. Caliph Umar leads a siege to take over the city of Jerusalem from the Byzantines

Religious Tolerance

• Muslim Empire was very tolerant towards Christian and Judaic religions
• "People of the Book" and of "One God"
• Siege of Jerusalem led to the first time the Jewish people to practice freely in over 500 years

The Persian and Byzantine Empires were very weak compared to the Muslims, and fell easily to the Muslim military

Culture Spreads

Culture of the Muslim Empire spreads rapidly as trade is extended from Asia to Europe

Early 7th and 8th century Muslim Architecture extends from Asia through Europe

Muslim Architecture is unique, and make up some many iconic buildings

Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

Spanish Mosques

Taj Mahal: Mughal Mausoleum

Most Muslim architecture also contain Mosaics, and Arabic Script

Scientific and Education Contributions

The Muslim Empire was known for its dedication to Education (especially in mathematics, science, medicine and philosophy)

Because of standard Arabic, the Muslim culture and education spread rapidly throughout the empire

Ancient Greek and Roman Texts from the Golden Ages is translated into Arabic

When these ancient texts were destroyed, they were rediscovered by Europe in the Middle Ages because of the Muslim libraries and Universities

Arabic Numerals (with the "0" from India) eventually replace Roman Numerals

These numerals also help the creation and spread of Algebra

The Muslim Empire also improved Greek advances (Hippocrates) in medicine

Medical Advances by Muslim Empire

• Better tools/procedures in surgery
• Pharmacies
• Circulatory System diagrams
• Actual Universities for Doctors and Hospitals