Year 5 - History
The early caliphates and the spread of Islam
Early Islamic civilisation: how did Baghdad become the 'City of Peace'?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils develop broad knowledge of Islam's rise. They study Muhammad's role and the early caliphates before focusing on the creation of Baghdad as a new capital for the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate. The unit focuses on the second-order concept of causation.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how the caliphate expanded and spread Islam across North Africa and Southern Europe.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- Muslims were intolerant of other religions.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
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.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Syria'
Syria is a country located in the Middle East, with borders on the Mediterranean Sea and Turkey.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Muslims were intolerant of other religions. Correction: People living in Muslim-controlled territories were allowed to follow their own religion.
More Lessons In This Unit
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