Rise of Islam
The Impact of Islam
Muslim Empire – Southwest Asia (Middle East) Spread into India, North Africa and parts of Europe (mostly Spain) People of the conquered lands converted to Islam. But Christians & Jews were allowed to practice their own religion. Except they: 1. could not hold important jobs 2. did not have equal rights 3. could not convert to Islam Islam spread Arab culture and architecture. Muslims built many new mosques (places of worship) and converted churches into mosques. The Crusades The Muslims conquered Palestine (ancient Israel) and Jerusalem (City of David). Jerusalem is a holy city to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Muslims threatened to conquer Constantinople, the last great Christian city. Christians wanted to protect Constantinople and get Jerusalem & the Holy Land back. 1095 European Christians lead the First Crusade. The Muslims were not unified and lost Jerusalem in 1099. Christians controlled Jerusalem for almost 200 years. Saladin united the Muslims and built a great army. In 1187, Saladin took back Jerusalem. European Christians lead several Crusades against Islam. In 1270 the Crusades ended and the Muslims still controlled Jerusalem. Christians fought in the Crusades because 1. Promise of eternal life 2. God's blessing for fighting for the Holy Land 3. Land 4. Riches 5. Titles |