Post Muhammad: Rise of the Umayyad Empire 661-750 CE

Question 1

Muhammad’s Death: Big Shoes to Fill

Answer 1

Muslims need to decide on new “Caliph” (leader)

Question 2

Islam’s Divide

Answer 2

Muslims divided about whether Caliph must be M’s blood relative

Question 3

Sunnis vs. Shias

Answer 3

Sunnis vote for Abu Bakr (M’s father in law), Shia handpick Ali (M’s cousin and son in law)

Question 4

Sunni Population Today

Answer 4

85% of Muslims, spread across globe

Question 5

Shia Population Today

Answer 5

15% of Muslims, more concentrated in Middle East

Question 6

Sunnis “Win”

Answer 6

Sunni victory establishes Umayyad Empire

Question 7

How do empires thrive?

Answer 7

UNITY

Question 8

1. Umayyad Unity: Religion

Answer 8

Non-Muslims not forced to convert, Muslims get lower taxes

Question 9

2. Umayyad Unity: Language

Answer 9

Common Arabic language helps gov’t, business, and religion to flourish

Question 10

3. Umayyad Unity: Money

Answer 10

Common currency good for trade and architecture

Question 11

Battle of Tours (France)

Answer 11

Umayyads lose battle, downfall begins

Question 12

How do empires fall?

Answer 12

DIVISION

Question 13

Umayyads start falling

Answer 13

Less conquering = Less tax money

Question 14

Umayyads keep falling

Answer 14

Government debt rises, fewer services available

Question 15

Umayyads have fallen

Answer 15

Political disagreements emerge as people struggle for resources