Monthly Archives: August 2021

North Africa: from Libya to the Atlantic Ocean, 670-683

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Ruth

The Roman province of Africa consisted of a long, narrow strip of coastland in Libya and a much larger zone around ancient Carthage, comparable in size to Ireland or even Greece. The climate was much like Italy’s and this part … Continue reading →

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Caliph Mu’awiya, 660-680

Posted on August 21, 2021 by Ruth

Let’s remember that Mu’awiya was raised in Mecca by clan chief Abu Sufyan and his wife, Hind. Hind is the woman who paid a slave to kill Muhammad’s kinsman at Uhud, and then cut a piece from his liver and … Continue reading →

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The Story of Hassan

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Ruth

When his father Ali was assassinated, Hassan was about 35. Ali’s supporters in Kufa quickly gave their allegiance to him as Caliph and Imam. “Imam,” the leader who stands in front, was the title Ali had taken when he felt … Continue reading →

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The Rule and Death of Ali, 661

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Ruth

All of these events had taken just over a year to play out (though the arbitration process may have gone on longer). Ali remained Caliph of the eastern portion of the Islamic Empire, with nominal control of Arabia. Mu’awiya ruled … Continue reading →

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Mu’awiya’s Tricky Triumph, 659

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Ruth

Back at the negotiating table, Mu’awiya sent Amr, the conqueror of Egypt, to represent him. Ali could have sent an equally astute general, his cousin al-Ashtar, but the fighting men insisted on Abu Musa, who had been Ali’s appointed governor … Continue reading →

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The First Terrorists at Nahrawand

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Ruth

In a culture where it takes days to get anywhere and weeks to exchange messages, nothing happens fast unless it’s done with a knife. So once the battle had been set aside, with an agreement to find a negotiated path, … Continue reading →

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