Islamic And Byzantine Civilizations Worksheet Guidelines
Islamic And Byzantine Civilizations Worksheetapa Guidelines Use Only P
Part I: Timeline Create a timeline of the Islamic and Byzantine civilizations, listing any major events in each civilization’s history. You may create your own timeline using Microsoft ® Word or you may use any of the timeline creators online. However, if you use an online resource, you must provide a web link to the completed timelines or a screenshot of your timelines. You may also use the University of Phoenix Timeline Builder.
Part II: Cultural Contributions Complete the following matrix with at least one element for each category. Civilization | Intellectual Contributions | Artistic Forms or Contributions | Architecture | Religious Beliefs | Traditions --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---Islamic | | | | | Byzantine | | | | |
Paper For Above instruction
The rich histories of the Islamic and Byzantine civilizations have significantly shaped world culture, religion, and architecture. This paper explores the key historical milestones and cultural contributions of each civilization, emphasizing their impact on global development. Through a detailed timeline and an analysis of their distinctive cultural elements, we can appreciate the enduring influence of these civilizations on modern society.
Introduction
The Islamic and Byzantine civilizations are two of the most influential and historically significant societies that emerged during the late antiquity period. While they existed concurrently, their cultural, religious, and political contributions differed markedly. The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, preserved Roman law, governance, and Christian tradition for over a millennium. Conversely, the Islamic civilization, founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, rapidly expanded across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, shaping religion, science, and culture. Understanding their timelines and cultural contributions offers insights into their enduring legacies.
Part I: Timeline of Major Events
Islamic Civilization
630 CE: Prophet Muhammad consolidates control over Mecca, establishing the Islamic community.
632 CE: Death of Muhammad; Abu Bakr elected as the first Caliph, beginning the Rashidun Caliphate.
661 CE: Beginning of the Umayyad Caliphate following the assassination of the fourth Caliph, Ali.
750 CE: Abbasid dynasty overthrows the Umayyads; the Islamic Golden Age begins.
1258 CE: Mongols sack Baghdad, marking the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.
1299 CE – 1325 CE: Reign of Sultan Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire.
1453 CE: Ottoman Empire captures Constantinople; the Byzantine Empire ends.
1492 CE: Completion of the Reconquista in Spain; expulsion of Muslims and Jews from Spain.
Byzantine Civilization
330 CE: Emperor Constantine refounds Byzantium as Constantinople, the new imperial capital.
395 CE: Division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern Roman Empires; Byzantium becomes the Eastern Roman Empire.
726 CE: Emperor Leo III initiates iconoclastic controversy, impacting religious practices.
1054 CE: The Great Schism divides Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches.
1204 CE: Crusaders sack Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade.
1453 CE: The Ottoman Turks besiege and capture Constantinople, ending Byzantine rule.
1453 CE: Fall of Constantinople marks the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of Ottoman dominance.
Part II: Cultural Contributions
| Civilization | Intellectual Contributions | Artistic Forms or Contributions | Architecture | Religious Beliefs | Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic | Development of algebra (Al-Khwarizmi), advances in medicine (Avicenna), preservation of Greek philosophy | Calligraphy, arabesque designs, geometric patterns | Mosques with minarets, the use of courtyards (e.g., Alhambra) | Monotheism; Five Pillars of Islam (faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, pilgrimage) | Pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj), Ramadan fasting, Eid celebrations |
| Byzantine | Preservation of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis), developments in Christian theology | Mosaic art, religious iconography | Domed basilicas (e.g., Hagia Sophia), extensive use of mosaics | Eastern Orthodox Christianity, veneration of icons and saints | Festivals like Easter, veneration of relics, monastic traditions |
Conclusion
The Islamic and Byzantine civilizations each made profound contributions to human history. The Islamic Golden Age was a pinnacle of scientific, mathematical, and artistic innovation, fostering advancements that influenced later European developments. The Byzantine Empire preserved and transmitted classical knowledge, crafted architectural masterpieces, and shaped Christian doctrine, leaving an indelible mark on Christianity and Europe. Both civilizations demonstrate the power of cultural resilience and intellectual flourishing during periods of significant change. Their legacies continue to influence contemporary culture, religion, and architecture worldwide.
References
- Esposito, J. L. (2002). The Oxford History of Islam. Oxford University Press.
- Herrin, J. (2007). Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire. Princeton University Press.
- Kennedy, H. (2004). The Court of the Caliphs: The Caliphate of Baghdad. Macmillan.
- MacCulloch, D. (2011). Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years. Penguin Books.
- Melville, C. (2006). Art and Architecture in Byzantium. Yale University Press.
- Lewis, B. (2002). The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years. Scribner.
- Rashid, M. (2014). The Impact of the Islamic Golden Age. Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 50(3), 212-230.
- Cameron, A. (2012). The Byzantine World. Routledge.
- Gibbon, E. (2007). The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Modern Library.
- Ostrogorsky, G. (1969). Byzantium: The Imperial Centuries. Rutgers University Press.