When did early Islamic civilisation begin?
- The early Islamic period started in around AD600.
- Some historians believe it ended in the 13th century (1201-1300) when Baghdad was destroyed.
Courtyard at Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad, built in the 13th century.
Where was the early Islamic civilisation?
Gold dinar coin. It was minted at Baghdad, 10th century.
- The early Islamic civilisation wasn't a single country.
- The Islamic empire spread from the Middle East, west to North Africa and Spain and east to India.
- Important early Islamic cities were Baghdad (in modern-day Iraq), Córdoba (in Spain) and Cairo (in Egypt).
Gold dinar coin. It was minted at Baghdad, 10th century.
How did the early Islamic civilisation begin?
- In Mecca in AD610 a man called Muhammad began to experience what he believed were messages from God.
- Those who believed in these messages became known as Muslims.
- The religion they followed was called Islam.
Courtyard of Ibn Tulun mosque in Cairo, Egypt. It was built in AD876 during the Abbasid dynasty.
Muhammad later moved to the city of Medina and built a mosque (Islamic place of worship).
He later returned to Mecca and many more people became Muslims.
After Muhammad's death, leaders called caliphs ruled the Islamic Empire and it continued to grow.
Activity: Quiz – Introduction to early Islamic civilisation
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