1. 6-2 The Arab Empire and Its Successors

2. Creation of an Arab Empire
Caliph: successor to Muhammad
Muhammad had no sons, problem choosing successor
They first named Abu Bakr (his father-in-law)
Expand religion and territory
Conquered Italy, Syria, Egypt, North Africa, Persia
After Abu Bakr dies, again they have a problem choosing caliph (the next 2 are assissinated)
Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, becomes caliph, and he is killed after 5 years.
Islam was tolerant of Christianity and Judaism at first

3. The Umayyad Dynasty Capital in Syria More conquering
Add Spain, but then are stopped from gaining France (Gaul) at the battle of Tours.
Before stopping, they had conquered part of the old Roman Empire

4. A split in Islam
Internal problems, some are hostile to the caliph (non-Arabs felt like outsiders)
A revolt starts, led by Hussein (Ali’s son), but he is killed
Islam splits: followers of Hussein are Shia and everyone else is Sunni (majority)
The split has caused problems b/w the groups

6. The Abbasid Dynasty Capital moved to Baghdad, Iraq Arabs prospering
Eventually corruption divides empire

7. The Seljuk Turks Become Muslim
2nd half of 11th century, go after Byzantine Empire (East Rome)
Byzantine asks the Pope for help
Starts a series of crusades (wars between Christians and Muslims)

8. Movie Notes on Crusades