Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate

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• Internal Revolts and Opposition (Shia, Mawali, Abbasid founders)

• Corruption and Extravagance (heavy taxation of non-arabs)

• Economic Decline and Overexpansion (inefficient management)

• Abbassid revolt 750 AD

How did the Abbasid empire begin?

• Secret planning and execution of Abbassid revolution in Persia with a descendent of Al Abbas as leader

• Military leadership of Abu Muslim starting in Persia

• The Battle of the Zab 750 AD where the Umayyads were killed except for Abdulrahman I

• Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah became the first Abbasid Caliph in 750 CE with Kufa as capital 762

Who was the first Abbasid caliph?

• Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah

• Al-Mansur

• Harun al-Rashid

• Al-Ma'mun

What major center did Harun al-Rashid establish?

• Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom)

• Baghdad

• Kufa

• Al-Mansur

What was Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal known for?

• Founder of the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence

• Major patron of science

• Rationalist theology

• His Musnad collection

What were the reasons for the decline of the Umayyad Caliphate?

• Administration: Became too large, independent kingdoms were started

• Politics: Weak Caliphs lead to instability

• Military: Rely on other people for military and politics, invasions

• Economy: High taxes, corruption, expensive wars

• Religion: rivalry between groups e.g. Sunna/Shia

What was the significance of the Battle of the Zab in 750 AD?

• It marked the end of the Umayyad Caliphate

• It was a decisive victory for the Umayyads

• It led to the rise of the Fatimid Caliphate

• It established the Abbasid dynasty

Which city became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate?

• Cairo

• Damascus

• Kufa

• Baghdad

What was one of the main cultural achievements during the Abbasid Caliphate?

• Development of algebra and mathematics

• Creation of the first universities in Europe

• Establishment of the Silk Road

• Construction of the Great Wall

Which one of the following was a reason for the Abbasid decline?

• Women were in power

• Caliphs were focussed on their luxury lifestyle and did not care about their people any more

• The country had too many wars with the Persians and Romans

• It was conquered by African tribes