Monthly Archives: December 2021

The New Emir of Al-Andalus, 755-79

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Ruth

Prince Abd al-Rahman had traveled into North Africa by 755, with his servant Bedr. The governor of Ifriqiyah then was a great-grandson of Uqba, the original rapid conqueror during the earliest Umayyad years. His given name was the same as … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The New Emir of Al-Andalus, 755-79

Building Baghdad, 762

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Ruth

The city was designed to be a visual representation of the Koran’s idea of Paradise. By the time it was founded, the Empire was at its peak size and vast sums of tribute flowed into the Caliph’s coffers, so money … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , | Comments Off on Building Baghdad, 762

Caliph al-Mansur and the Shi’ites, 762-5

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Ruth

The descendants of Ali had been living quietly in Medina all this time, building up a legacy of scholarship that by the 700s amounted to a private university. Law and theology were the main subjects, but they included the observational … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Caliph al-Mansur and the Shi’ites, 762-5

Caliph al-Mansur, 754-75

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Ruth

Caliph al-Saffah’s brother became known as al-Mansur, the Victor. He ruled almost twenty years, so it was really his hand that established the dynasty. During his early years, an old Persian fashion came back at court. It was a very … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , | Comments Off on Caliph al-Mansur, 754-75

Abbasid Caliph al-Saffah, 750-4

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Ruth

The Abbasid Caliphs needed to work a little harder to remind people that their right to rule was legitimate. Perhaps for this reason, they began a tradition of ruling not in their own given names, but by their laqab name. … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Abbasid Caliph al-Saffah, 750-4

Massacre and Escape at Resafa, 750

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Ruth

In societies that lack procedure for peaceful power transfer—which was nearly everyone in the 8th century—it’s important to move fast to cement your new power. It’s even better for the people, who probably have little contact with the rulers. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Islam History C: the Abbasids | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Massacre and Escape at Resafa, 750