Before Islam became a widespread religion, Arabia was split up between Bedouins, which were nomadic warlike tribes. These tribes rode camels, herded sheep and cattle, and moved from one place to another in search of resources and water. Oases were a source of rare resources and water, so they were very important. Many battles and wars between tribes were fought over control of them.
The weapons used during that time were mainly swords and daggers. Curved swords called scimitars were commonly used in battle as well as tabars which are battle axes. Small daggers called jambiyas were used in both combat, but also in religious ceremonies.
When Muhammad’s teachings were rejected in Mecca, he moved to Yathrib (Medina), where they were accepted. There he had 1,500 followers that suffered from poverty, so he led attacks on caravans to help his people. After, his army grew to 10,000 as he made alliances with neighboring tribes and from many people converting to Islam. Mecca surrendered to Muhammad’s army and he added their soldiers to his own army, soon conquering the Arabian Peninsula. After his death in 632, the Islam Empire had spread rapidly. In 750, the empire was at its peak, covering an area stretching from Spain to India. The expansion of the empire was stopped in France by Charles Martel in 732, and this marked the limit of Muslim Empire in Western Europe.
The weapons used during the expansion of the Muslim Empire remained the same as before, but because gunpowder was invented, more things were added to its arsenal. Muskets, cannons, grenades and steel shields became popular and were used in battles.
I think you did a really good job on your topic. I was truly interested in the weaponry. I could tell that you were prepared because you did not read from the board but you stayed calm and was explaining with great eye-contact, you were more enthusiastic, and you kept our attention longer, as well as give out important and valuable information.
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