HIST 010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Talas River, Hereditary Monarchy, Abbasid Caliphate
Document Summary
Arabia didn"t play a part in world history because it was never politically unified (like greeks, spent most their time fighting themselves) Born in mecca and raised by his uncle. Father died before he was born and mother died shortly after he was born. Uncle was in caravan business (moved goods and people on camels across the desert); this would affect muhammad"s life. Muhammad travelled all around arabia (and possibly beyond) after he joined the caravan. Contact with many different people and cultures that influenced him. Met his wife, a wealthy widow; allowed muhammad to retire at the age of 25. Used free time to go into desert (regular basis) 610 ad: at age 40, had a very important religious experience. Visited by the angel, gabriel, and was told that he (muhammad) was chosen by god to reveal a new and improved religion to the world. 610 - 622 ad: muhammad travelled back and forth between mecca and the desert.
