Muslims Invade Europe By: Sydnee Pollock

Muslim Background Muslims (meaning submissive or surrendering) are adherents (faithful support for a cause or religion) of Islam. Muslims abide by the will of Allah (God) noted by the Qur’an. Islam was founded by Muhammad “The Prophet” (died in 632).

8th Century In the 8th Century Muslims expanded into parts of Europe and overtook the southern and eastern Mediterranean coastline.

Up to the 15th Century Muslims had even dominated some parts of Spain. These conquests and dominations of the Mediterranean held at a halt until the 15th century. Europeans feared Muslims even more after they were attacked in the East and the West of the Mediterranean and tested across the land.

Dated Conquests On page lxiii in The Western Heritage, map I-9 shows the Muslim overtake throughout Europe. Conquests from 632-661: Egypt, Palestine, Persia Conquests from 661-750: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Berbers

Conquests Continued By looking at the map you can see how quickly Muslims expanded along the Mediterranean. It only took Muslims a short 125 years after the growth of Muhammad’s beliefs to overtake Spain and all southern/eastern land of the Mediterranean. During the conquest, trade declined drastically and let people know Muslims still dominated.

Decline The Muslims eventually went into an economic decline when Europeans opened trade routes to Asia. The Muslims still stayed dispersed throughout the Mediterranean from the 7th century to the 11th.

Affects in Europe Europe was easily affected by the Muslim overtake. They were influenced by arts, architecture, and learning. The culture and religion was also affected also because of the merging of different religions.