The Umayyad People
7th-8th C.E.
Location: Middle East and North Africa
Important Neighbors: Egypt, Byzantine Empire, Afghanistan, and Persia
Strengths:
During Muhammad’s reign, women were equal, and his teaching brought many followers.
By 633, they were able to unite most of Arabia under the Islamic banner.
Weakness:
Without Muhammad, empire crumbled.
A strong leader was needed after his death and no one was completely qualified for the position.
Originally the Umayyad Empire believed in a simple frugal lifestyle. It’s faith brought many followers. It united most of Arabia.
Family and gender role:
Marriage was encouraged during Muhammad’s reign.
Muhammad: strongly against adultery
Men: allowed up to four wives1+ marriage forbiddenif the man couldn't support or treat all of the marriages equally.
Women only have one husband.
Muhammad strengthened divorce and inheritance rights for women.
Women:
Weren’t allowed to lead prayers.
Active in politics during the early community.
Weren't commonly veiled; appeared to have a wide range of occupations.
Scholarship, law, and commerce are just some ranges women were in.
Fall and decline:
Umayyad caliphs had a growing addiction to luxury and soft living.
Early 8th century, retreated from war to be in their pleasure gardens and marble palaces.
Abandoned the frugal, simple lifestyle. By mid-8th century, over 50,000 warriors were settled near Merv, the eastern Iranian borderlands of the empire.
Warrior settlers had married local women, and had become upset with the little share of the booty they were receiving.
During an attempt to introduce a new set of troops, a revolt occurred.
As the Umayyad family was enjoying a feast, Abbasid troops slaughtered them. Most were slain, but the grandson of a former caliph had survived.
People Analysis by Alexandra E
Location: Middle East and North Africa
Important Neighbors: Egypt, Byzantine Empire, Afghanistan, and Persia
Strengths:
During Muhammad’s reign, women were equal, and his teaching brought many followers.
By 633, they were able to unite most of Arabia under the Islamic banner.
Weakness:
Without Muhammad, empire crumbled.
A strong leader was needed after his death and no one was completely qualified for the position.
Originally the Umayyad Empire believed in a simple frugal lifestyle. It’s faith brought many followers. It united most of Arabia.
Family and gender role:
Marriage was encouraged during Muhammad’s reign.
Muhammad: strongly against adultery
Men: allowed up to four wives1+ marriage forbiddenif the man couldn't support or treat all of the marriages equally.
Women only have one husband.
Muhammad strengthened divorce and inheritance rights for women.
Women:
Weren’t allowed to lead prayers.
Active in politics during the early community.
Weren't commonly veiled; appeared to have a wide range of occupations.
Scholarship, law, and commerce are just some ranges women were in.
Fall and decline:
Umayyad caliphs had a growing addiction to luxury and soft living.
Early 8th century, retreated from war to be in their pleasure gardens and marble palaces.
Abandoned the frugal, simple lifestyle. By mid-8th century, over 50,000 warriors were settled near Merv, the eastern Iranian borderlands of the empire.
Warrior settlers had married local women, and had become upset with the little share of the booty they were receiving.
During an attempt to introduce a new set of troops, a revolt occurred.
As the Umayyad family was enjoying a feast, Abbasid troops slaughtered them. Most were slain, but the grandson of a former caliph had survived.
People Analysis by Alexandra E
