Tag Archives: North Africa

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 →

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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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The New Islamic Navy, 649

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Ruth

In 647, Governor Abdullah ibn Sa’ad led an army west toward Libya. In Amr’s original sweep through Egypt, he had occupied the Libyan coast, but North Africa stretched far into the west and it was still a Roman stronghold. Tunisia, … Continue reading →

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The Outside World in Muhammad’s Time

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Ruth

The nearest neighbors to Muhammad’s Arabia (circa 600) were Abyssinia (modern Somalia and Ethiopia), “Rome,” and the Sasanian Empire of Persia. I put “Rome” in quotes because at that time, it included Egypt, some of North Africa, Palestine/Syria, Anatolia (modern … Continue reading →

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