Postclassical: Empire of Faith
NAME: ______________________________
Empire of Faith
The video “Empire of Faith” offers a compelling argument to the centrality of Islam in world
history. In explaining this centrality, it is obvious that Islam is an intricate religion that has greatly
influenced Middle Eastern culture.
Some themes explored in the video that you should watch for:
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The Islamic empires were empires built on a faith with extraordinary unity and that
spread extraordinarily fast.
The success of the Islamic empires was dependent on the interconnectedness of its
geography, settlement, economy, and faith.
The Islamic empires were nearly a peerless, unrivaled civilization during its time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX3UHNhQ1Zk&feature=bf_prev&list=PLCBA7C48B48BDE6AF
&lf=results_main
Episode 1 = Muhammad & Rise of Islam
Introduction – impact of Islam, Muhammad
9:30 – Kabah & Mecca
12:00 – the Revelations
19:30 – Quran
26:30 – Responses to Muhammad
40:00 – New Beginnings & Unity
47:00 – Achievements & Life after Muhammad
Episode 2 = the Awakening
Introduction – the Awakening
3:30 – Abbasid & Baghdad’s Golden Age
15:45 – Islamic Spain
23:30 – Crusades
35:00 – Islamic merchants & artisans
Focus:
Impact of culture & geography.
Spread of Islam.
During:
1. Who was Muhammad raised by?
2. Describe the oral culture of the Bedouins.
Achievements.
3. Why is water so important to Arabs? (symbolism, etc)
4. Why was the Kaaba in Mecca important for trade and culture?
5. What skills did Muhammad possess?
6. What is the importance of Muslims’ belief in one god (1st pillar)?
7. Describe how Islam’s early teachings appealed to people.
8. Describe the importance of the Koran.
9. In what way was Muhammad not a harsh leader?
10. What is the significance of community prayer in Islam?
11. What tribal custom did Muhammad’s army not follow after the battle for Mecca?
12. Describe the result of Muhammad’s smashing tribal idols at the Kaaba.
13. List reasons for Islam’s explosive growth and success after its founding.
14. Lists ways that Muslims improved the infrastructure of conquered lands.
15. After Muhammad dies, a crisis arises in Islam. Name a reason for its strength and
continued success after his death.
16. Describe the importance of the hajj.
17. List the successes and innovations of the Islamic empire in Baghdad.
18. Why was paper such an important invention?
19. List reasons that Cordoba was an important place.
After: Use notes and critical thinking to answer the following questions.
20. Les Rowntree states:
Religion permeates the lives of most people within the [Middle East today]. Its centrality stands in sharp
contrast to the largely secular culture…that dominates…other parts of the [modern] world…While Islam is
geographically and theologically divided, all Muslims recognize the fundamental unity of their religion.
Write to describe why Islam became such a central unifying influence that was able to
spread around the world. Consider: Bedouin culture and how Islam interacted with these
traits.
21. The Islamic Middle East is one of the best examples of a culture that is intimately
interconnected and depends heavily on the environment. Explain how the Islamic
Middle East is an example of interrelated geography, religion, and culture.
 An enduring image of the Middle East is the nomads who move with their herds from watering hole to
watering hole.
 Persian and Turkish rugs are among the oldest and most valued art forms in the world.
 Calligraphy is the most commonly used art in Middle Eastern culture.
 In Middle Eastern style architecture, the interior of buildings is the focus of decoration and planning more
than the exterior.
 Courtyards and fountains with water are common features in Middle Eastern homes and palaces.
 Paradise/heaven is often described as having springs with water and bountiful trees.
 The traditional Middle Eastern diet is dominated by lamb, pita bread, almonds, garbanzo beans (chick peas),
and dates.
 Traditional Middle Eastern cities having winding streets with buildings that are built close together.
 Traditional Middle Eastern clothing utilizes long sleeve robes & pants, often with head-coverings as well.
 Poetry and story-telling are important forms of transferring information.
 Public speakers hold a great deal of respect in Middle Eastern culture.
 Ideas have traditionally spread very quickly in the Middle East.
 Being a trader, merchant, or businessman has long been a respected occupation in the Middle East.