Islamic World and Byzantine Interactions (Page 1-2)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Byzantine Empire, early Islam, and related dynastic changes (Umayyads and Abbasids) as described in the notes.

What is the Byzantine Empire?

Eastern half of the Roman Empire that survived the fall of the Western half.

Who were the Sassanids?

A revived Persian Empire and rival of the Byzantine Empire.

What is Mecca?

A city central to Arab worship and Muhammad’s birthplace.

What is the Ka’bah?

A stone building in Mecca; once used for pagan rituals, now a sacred Muslim site toward which Muslims pray.

What is Ramadan?

A Muslim holy month of fasting from sunrise to sunset.

What is the Qur’an?

Sacred Islamic book that records Muhammad’s visions.

What is Allah?

The name of the Muslim God; Arabic word meaning 'the god'.

What is Medina?

A small oasis where Muhammad and his followers fled.

What is the Hegira?

Muhammad’s flight from Mecca to Medina.

What is Islam?

Literally means 'submission'; the religion founded by Muhammad.

What happened at the Battle of Badr?

Muhammad’s army defeated the people of Mecca before Mecca’s submission to Muhammad.

Who are Muslims?

Followers of Islam.

What is a Caliph?

Islamic leader; title Abu Bakr took after Muhammad’s death, from an Arab word that means 'to succeed'.

What were the Wars of Apostasy?

Abu Bakr’s campaign against Arabs who sought independence after Muhammad’s death.

What does Shiite mean?

Follower; a branch of Islam that supports the descendants of Muhammad as his rightful successors.

What does Sunni mean?

Adherent; Muslims who believe that any worthy Muslim could become the ruler of Islam.

What is an Imam?

Leader; a political and religious leader of Shia Islam or a religious leader of Sunni Islam.

What is the Hadith?

Collection of writings about Muhammad’s life, including what he said, what he did, and what he approved.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

Central Islamic practices of affirming Islam, performing daily prayers, almsgiving, fasting, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.

What is Sharia?

Body of Islamic law that includes the interpretation of the Qur’an and applies Islamic principles to everyday life.

What is Jihad?

Islamic holy war.

Who are the Infidels?

Unbelievers.

Who were the Umayyads?

A Muslim dynasty that moved the capital of the empire to Damascus.

What is Damascus?

The new capital of the Muslim Empire under the Umayyads.

Who were the Abbasids?

Muslim caliphate under which Islam experienced a renaissance.

What is Baghdad?

The new capital of the Muslim Empire under the Abbasid dynasty.

What is Constantinople?

A large and wealthy city that was the imperial capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, now known as Istanbul.

What is Greek fire?

Byzantine weapon consisting of a mixture of chemicals that ignited when exposed to water; used to drive back Arab fleets.

Who was Charles Martel?

Ruler of the Franks who led an army to stop the advance of the Muslim forces in Europe.