1. Muhammad and Islam Thesis: While many historians portray Islam developing in a cultural void, the archaeological evidence demonstrates that Muhammad’s message would immediately appeal to the trading communities of Arabia.

2. Pre-Islamic Arabia 5 th /6 th CE Nomadic culture Regions (see maps) Saba Mecca Hadramawt Bahrain

3. Pre-Islamic Cities Aden Mecca Ubar

5. Mecca & Life of Muhammad Society Khadijah Quraysh Mecca Trade Religious center

6. Mecca Components Suq Haram Zamzam Ka’ba

7. Life of Prophet 610 622 629 632

8. Spread of Islam 630-950 Culture Religious presence No hegemonic states

9. Archaeological Material Trade Frankincense Dates Indian goods Divisions in society Kinship & families Nomadic

10. Islam Develops in a Rich Context Religious? Paganism Judaism Christianity Commercial? Long/short dis. trade Societal? Nomadic Kinship ties

11. Thesis Defendable? Many historians portray Islam developing in a cultural void. Why? Arabia: trading community Why the appeal of Islam? Why was the time right?