Deep Dive: The Rise and Fall of Medieval Islamic Empire

What major change did the Prophet Muhammad bring to the Arabian Peninsula?

• He introduced Greek philosophyHe united the people through Islam

• He united the people through Islam

• He conquered the Byzantine Empire

• He abolished tribal society

Who became the first caliph after Muhammad’s death?

• Ali

• Umar

• Abu Bakr

• Uthman

What was the extent of the Umayyad Empire at its height?

• From North Africa to China

• From present-day Spain to India

• Only the Arabian Peninsula

• From Constantinople to Egypt

Why did the Abbasid family claim more legitimacy than the Umayyads?

• They were military generals

• They claimed closer descent from Muhammad

• They controlled trade routes

• They were allied with Byzantium

Which new city became the Abbasid capital, fostering cultural and scientific advancement?

• Damascus

• Baghdad

• Cairo

• Mecca

What major problem weakened Abbasid rule internally?Rebellions by nomadic tribes

• Rebellions by nomadic tribes

• Disputes over succession and corruption

• Lack of trade routes

• Conflicts with the Byzantine Empire

Even after the fall of Baghdad, what aspects of Islamic civilization left a lasting mark on the world?

• Arabic language, Islam, and intellectual contributions

• Mongol military tactics

• Persian fire worship

• Byzantine Christianity