The Umayyad Caliphate in Al-Andalus: A Q&A Summary This article discusses the history of the Umayyad caliphate in Al-Andalus and the subsequent Taifa period. It explores the challenges Muhammad faced during his rule, the increase in economic activity, and the establishment of a tax-based state. It also delves into the socio-economic history of the Eastern …
The Breakup of the Abbasid Caliphate and the Rise of Other Muslim States: An Analysis Summary The ‘Abbasid caliphate experienced periods of unity and stability, yet there were many difficulties faced by the ‘Abbasids during this period, including Iranian rebels, the Saffarids, and a large slave revolt by the Zanj population. Eventually, in 945, Ahmad …
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The Abbasid Period in the Arab World: A Q&A on Politics and Culture Summary This text delves into the political and cultural landscape of the Arab world during the Abbasid period. It examines the dynamics of the Abbasid dynasty’s governance, internal politics, wars with the Byzantines, and rebellions in various provinces. The article also explores …
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The Byzantine Empire: A Rich Culture of Hierarchy and Power Summary The Byzantine court of the ninth and tenth century had a rich culture of politics, theology, and ceremonies that was constantly being renewed and developed, even while claiming to be immemorial. The focus on power and hierarchy was evident in the extreme formality of …
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Iconoclasm in Byzantium: Impact and Influences Summary This text discusses the significance of Iconoclasm in Byzantium and its impact on the religious centrality of images in Orthodox Christianity. It also delves into the Arabian world’s rules and concerns with representation, and how it influenced Byzantine iconoclasm. Additionally, the text explores the political power struggle in …
Byzantium Under Siege: Military and Political Challenges in the 7th-8th century Summary This article delves into the complicated history of the Byzantine Empire during the reigns of Constans II and Constantine IV, and the many military and political challenges they faced from external threats, such as the Arab invasions, the conquest of Africa, and the …
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The Survival of the Byzantine Empire from 550-1000 AD: Insights from the Parastaseis Syntomoi Chronikai Summary This text discusses the survival of the Byzantine Empire from 550-1000 AD. It highlights the anonymous mid-eighth-century text from Constantinople called the Parastaseis Syntomoi Chronikai, which is a collection of comments on the statues of the city, revealing the …
The Power of Architecture in the Early Middle Ages Summary The text discusses the power and authority represented by the building projects of Pope Paschal, specifically the church of S. Prassede in Rome. The author notes that Paschal’s construction of large churches with expensive internal finishings and his moving of saints’ bodies demonstrated his authority …
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Gift Exchange and the Emergence of Manorial Estate Management in Early Medieval Times Summary The movement of goods in early medieval times was based largely on gift exchange, although not all of it was, and the need for merchants continued. The production of artisanal goods and agriculture became simplified in the post-Roman West. Roman estate-management …
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Exploring Early Medieval Exchange Networks Summary This article examines the complex interlinked networks of production and exchange that existed during the early medieval period. It explores the localized production systems in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Germany, and Scandinavia, and the more complex systems in the Western Mediterranean and Northern Francia. The article also challenges …