Byzantium
When Rome fell, Constantinople stood strong, lasted til 15th century. Byzantine empire- protects europe from turks and arabs for 700 years. Acted as a buffer. It also transmitted greek culture north to the Russians- saints went as missionaries- the Russian monarch- called czar (or tsar, from Caesar)- they think they are the 3rd rome. Scientific words switched to Arabic. The Arabs did teach Romans some science in middle ages, some. But much of that knowledge came frm the Greeks. Greek learning transmitted to Italy- foundations for the Renaissance. Why did this half of the empire last when the other side fell? They were pretending- autocratic- they had a dictator. Less debate, so more efficient. The Caesar marshalled all resources necessary for war . Caesaro patrism- control of the church for benefit of the state. Protector leader of church.
Had impenetrable city, strong navy, well protected. It took Muslims hundreds of years to take it.
Byzantium tried to avoid war, even bribing enemies not to come. But this might not be true. People usually are not threatened by being too strong. Had some secret weapons- like greek fire, used with bellows.
The city was captured by Muslims eventually.
Also survived because of economics- Constantinople- world center of trade, valuable coinage not debased. Agriculture- backbone of economy, independent farmers, reduced taxes in late 5th century that tended to help urban poor. Abolished poll tax on the poor. They were wealthier, so their empire could be paid out of the treasury, not from spoils. So soldiers were loyal to state, not individual generals. Their civil service was god- a solid justice system, well run government.
Byzantium
Justinian- last famous emperor- wanted to conquer. To accomplish, he first moved into N. Africa, captured from the Vandals- it would regain in that control unto 630’s, until the Arabs came along. It was fairly easy to conquer, the Vandals weren’t very organized. They began to think the restoration of the empire would be easy. It took 20 years to conquer Italy; few wanted to be liberated by Constantinople. They fight fiercely, but eventually Justinian wins the war. Occupation troops cost about as much as fighting, so he withdraws his army.
After they pull out, italy is vulnerable to the next invading army. In this case, it was the primitive Lombards. Fleeing italians built settlements in swamps to be easier to defend.
A. Islam– contemporary trends and background.
Islam websites are on powerpoint.
So are quotes about Islam.
Talked about Islam, how little they are reached.
Moslim- means one who is submissive to God. A system maybe more than religion. A binding force among Arabs. Enjoyed powerful surge in power and influence lately with increasing oil revenues. Special efforts concentrated in Africa. Saddam Hussein was Sunni. Motivated more by socialist dictatorial ideas. By 2020, every city in the US will be be predominantly muslim. Since 1973, organization of Islamic conference has spent 90 million dollars. Esp. in Africa. But some in the US. Those who say that bin Laden is wrong, are like our theological liberals.
Soon after the migration of German tribes, these arab tribes were divided. They were wandering bands- called Bedouins. They were polytheistic. Mecca was the religious center of the Arab world, over 360 shrines, just there. Large city in the desert. Tourist industry of pilgrimages. The Kabbah- houses the black stone, in the middle of Great temple. The black stone is probably a meteorite, not give to Abraham by the angel Gabriel.
Before Islam, they can’t get unified enough to conquer mediterranean world. By the 8th century AD, Muslims are going to control a great deal (see map on powerpoint).
B. The Founding of Islam
Muhammad- Ubu’l Kassim originally. Born 570 in Mecca. Died in 632. Mecca was a bustling center of trade. Muhammad was orphaned at age 6, raised by his uncle. He eventually became a camel driver. At the age 25 he was employed by Khidijah- a wealthy widow hired him as a camel driver. He became a manager for her, later married her. No more labor, starts meditating on the meaning of life. Over course of his life, he has between 9 and 12 wives. According to the Hadive, Muhammad visited all of them before breakfast each morning. Adultery. Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad. Muhammed was aware of christianity and Judaism, probably zorastrianism. May had contributed. As a young boy, he was said to have seizures and have vision.
After 610, these seizures became more frequent. He spent many hours thinking in a cave on Mt. Hira.
C. After Muhammad died in 632:
D. Divisions in Islam
Muhammad wasn’t sure at first if is visions were demonic or divine. He was told to recite his revelations. Most of these were recorded about his death in the Quran, the recitation. had these visions til death. Began teaching, at first only wife and a small group at first believed. Some feared him. Mecca was religious center. Muhammad said no idol worship. In some senses, muhammad goes against the moral and social order. Muhammad said he was the last and maybe the greatest of the prophets. There were many skeptics at this time. But he was protected. He wanted everybody in that city to convert. ed some by his uncle Abu and his wealthy wife. But they died, and then Muhammad was asked to be placed in charge of a city- Yathrib-at first, hid in a cave for three days- 16 July 622- beginning of Islamic calendar- a lunar calendar. Yathrib becomes Medina. Muhammad apparently led well, sets up a theocracy- people convert.
Muhammad starts his harem, between 10 and 12 wives. He got word it was ok to steal from caravans, because if they were heading to Mecca they were worshipping idols anyway. Not a peaceful religion in Quran, or in history.
624- Muhammad and 300 of his followers defeated Meccans. The conflict arose some form his stealing. Warfare between mecca and muhammad. A jihad occurred- the 3000 Medinas one, took Mecca. Set up Kabbah.
Islam has a hedonistic heaven. Muhammad captures nearby Arab tribes while fighting Meccans, 300 Jews have their throats cut. Muhammad ascended from the temple mount in 632 (died). Islam did not take Jerusalem until 637. Caliph is a leader of the islamic world. He continued work til 634, aggressively spread islam, defeating egypt, syria, persia, jerusalem, Mesopotamia. Afman and Ali- more caliphs- Islam spreads to all of North Africa, and parts of India and Europe, particularly Spain.
5 Pillars
Went over the pillars of Islam (see powerpoint for listing). Dr. Ricketts also mentioned the arabic words for these pillars…(find anywhere online-)
Jihad- not just personal struggle- a war of force against infidels.
6 Doctrines
(Also on the powerpoint)
-Personal relationships with God are not offered. The Quran mentions 28 prophets. Qu’ran also the most authoritative- eternal as Allah. Parts written by Muhammad, parts by disciples.
-Islam is very fatalistic.
Islam does recognize sin, but not Christ as divine, just a prophet and a good man. Islam has a strict moral code, no strong drink, strict diet, no gambling, praying 5 times a day, etc. Very works- oriented.
In the beginning, there was no clergy or complex theology. Simplicity.
Male-centered- can have 4-5 wives. Arabian pagan influence (see powerpoint for quote).
Islam and Jesus- don’t believe Jesus was crucified and died, clear contrast with bible.(see powerpoint for verses from Qu’ran and Bible.
Slavery permitted under Islam- household slaves. Arabic pagan influences, again. The Africans had technology equal to the Arabs, but during and after the 7th century, as Islam curved around N. Africa, Arab attitudes towards blacks changed; they had encountered fairer and seemingly more advanced peoples. The demand for black laborers grew. Slaves called zenj. increasingly forced into more labor, not just domestics. Compared to slavery under Rome and even slavery under Christianity in Rome. under christians, slaves were not as chattel, but able to achieve the highest spiritual development. Islam institutionalized chattel slavery.
Origins of Islamic Empire
State centered around Mecca. Muslim conversion rates are high- motivated by death or conversion. Christians were a little off base, but considered people of the book. Not the same hate, which would increase with the Turks. Many sources say things were generally equal (except slaves and women.) Caliphs are political and religious leaders. Dominant caliphs. In 732, thwarted expansion at Battle of Tours, Charles Martel. Islam has its divisions- primarily between Shia and Sunnites. Sunni are about 90 percent of Islamic population. Shiites believe only heirs of Muhammad should lead Islam. Ali, succession – married Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter. Imams are sinless men who perform miracles- like pastors, with great influence. The Shiites are conflicted between whether there were 9 or 12 imams. More divisions can be seen on the list in the powerpoint.
