The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates

This book explores the rich history of the Near East from 600 to 1050 AD, focusing on the rise of Islamic society and its political structures.

In The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates, Hugh Kennedy presents an engaging history of the Near East from approximately 600 to 1050 AD, a crucial period for the formation of Islamic society. The narrative begins with the life of Muhammad and the emergence of Islam, leading into the significant Arab conquests of the seventh century. Kennedy highlights the cultural and political advancements during the golden age of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, which saw the Islamic world flourish in ways that surpassed contemporary Western societies.

The book delves into the challenges faced during the tenth century, which marked a decline in political unity across the Muslim world. This era saw the rise of the Fatimid caliphate in Egypt and the establishment of independent dynasties throughout the Eastern Islamic territories. The narrative culminates with the rise of Seljuk Turkish rule in the mid-eleventh century. This updated edition incorporates recent research and includes two new chapters that explore the economic context of the time and the developments in north-eastern Iran after the Abbasid period.

The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates addresses themes that resonate today, making it vital for understanding the early Islamic world. It is an invaluable resource for students and scholars of early Islamic history, offering a clear and informative introduction to the complexities of this significant era.