The early caliphates and the spread of Islam
I can describe how the caliphate expanded and spread Islam across North Africa and Southern Europe.
The early caliphates and the spread of Islam
I can describe how the caliphate expanded and spread Islam across North Africa and Southern Europe.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- By the time of Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, Muslim forces had invaded the southern parts of the Persian Empire.
- They also successfully invaded Byzantine territories in Syria, Palestine and Egypt.
- When Muhammad died, his successor was Abu Bakr; his Rashidun Caliphate expanded into central Asia and North Africa.
- Captured cities were often treated well; in Damascus the Christian people were not hurt and allowed to worship freely.
- The caliph Umar captured Jerusalem in 638 CE; it is the third holiest city to many Muslims.
Keywords
Syria - Syria is a country located in the Middle East, with borders on the Mediterranean Sea and Turkey
Caliph - a caliph was a Muslim leader and political ruler who came after Muhammad (PBUH)
Rashidun - the Rashiduns were the first four caliphs who ruled the Islamic empire after the death of Muhammad (PBUH)
Jerusalem - Jerusalem is an ancient holy city in the Middle East
Common misconception
Muslims were intolerant of other religions.
People living in Muslim-controlled territories were allowed to follow their own religion.
To help you plan your year 5 history lesson on: The early caliphates and the spread of Islam, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 history lesson on: The early caliphates and the spread of Islam, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Early Islamic civilisation: how did Baghdad become the 'City of Peace'? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Muhammad (PBUH) ensured the safety of many Arabian tribes
Muhammad's (PBUH) Farewell Sermon
Christian people were allowed to worship freely
captured by caliph Umar