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Early Muslim Expansion - Arab Conquest of Iran and Egypt

Kings and Generals・100 minutes read

The text details the early Muslim expansion in the Middle East and its impact on global history, showcasing key campaigns, battles, and conquests led by prominent figures such as Khalid ibn al-Walid and Amr ibn al-As. The Rashidun Caliphate's rise to power, military strategies, conquests of key regions like Egypt, and the defeat of Sassanid forces are highlighted as pivotal moments in the Muslim conquest of the Middle East.

Insights

  • The early Muslim expansion reshaped the Middle East and world history, with detailed accounts of campaigns led by figures like Khalid ibn al-Walid.
  • Arab incursions into various territories under the Rashidun Caliphate's rise to power were showcased, highlighting strategic conquests and alliances.
  • The Muslim armies, deeply rooted in tribal warfare traditions, utilized innovative tactics like camel-mounted infantry for surprise attacks on Byzantine and Sassanid territories.
  • The conquests of key cities like Ctesiphon and Alexandria, marked by strategic sieges and decisive battles, led to mass conversions to Islam and significant territorial gains.
  • The defeat of Sassanid forces at Nahavand and the subsequent collapse of the Sassanid Empire solidified Muslim dominance in the region, showcasing strategic brilliance and military prowess.

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Recent questions

  • What were the early Muslim conquests?

    The early Muslim expansion altered the Middle East and global history. Season one covered early campaigns led by Khalid ibn al-Walid in Iraq and Syria, detailing Arab incursions into Anatolia, Egypt, Iran, and North Africa, showcasing the Rashidun Caliphate's rise to power. Islamic armies utilized camel-mounted infantry to launch surprise attacks on Byzantine and Sassanid territories, with strategic use of mobility and deception leading to victories against Sassanid forces. The conquest began in 633 with the campaign in Mesopotamia against the Sassanid empire by Khalid ibn al-Walid, followed by victories at the battle of al-Qadisiyyah and the siege of Ctesiphon. The conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent expansion into Egypt and beyond marked significant milestones in early Muslim conquests.

  • Who were the key figures in the early Muslim conquests?

    The early Muslim conquests were led by prominent figures such as Khalid ibn al-Walid, Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas, and Amr ibn al-As. Khalid's strategic brilliance and military prowess played a crucial role in the early campaigns in Iraq and Syria, while Sa'd led the Muslim army to victory at al-Qadisiyyah. Amr emerged as a significant Arab general, gaining recognition for his role in various battles, including those at Ajnadayn and Yarmouk. These leaders, along with others like Abu Ubaidah and Umar, played pivotal roles in the conquest of territories like Jerusalem, Egypt, and beyond, solidifying Muslim dominance in the region.

  • How did the early Muslim armies achieve victory?

    The early Muslim armies achieved victory through a combination of strategic planning, mobility, and military prowess. Bedouin Arabs, accustomed to tribal warfare, formed the foundation for the conquest army, utilizing camel-mounted infantry to launch surprise attacks on Byzantine and Sassanid territories. Leaders like Khalid ibn al-Walid and Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas employed tactics of mobility and deception, leading to victories against Sassanid forces at battles like al-Qadisiyyah. The Rashidun armies featured a mix of infantry and cavalry, with equipment often privately acquired or provided by benefactors. The soldiers, following Islamic rules of military conduct known as siyar, were relatively well-behaved during conflicts, contributing to their success on the battlefield.

  • What territories did the early Muslim conquests encompass?

    The early Muslim conquests encompassed a vast array of territories, including Mesopotamia, Syria, Anatolia, Egypt, Iran, and North Africa. The conquest began in 633 with campaigns in Mesopotamia against the Sassanid empire, led by Khalid ibn al-Walid. Victories at battles like al-Qadisiyyah and the siege of Ctesiphon marked the expansion into Persian territories. The conquest of Jerusalem and subsequent campaigns into Egypt, led by generals like Amr ibn al-As, further extended Muslim control over key regions. The conquests continued into areas like Palestine, Jazeera, and Alexandria, solidifying Muslim dominance in the Middle East and beyond.

  • What were the key factors in the Muslim conquest of Egypt?

    The Muslim conquest of Egypt was marked by strategic planning, military prowess, and tactical brilliance. Amr ibn al-As, a prominent Arab general, proposed the conquest of Roman Egypt due to its prosperity and weak defenses. Despite initial reluctance from the caliph Umar, Amr defied orders to withdraw and besieged key cities like Pelusium and Babylon. With reinforcements from Umar and strategic planning, Amr's forces defeated Roman resistance and secured Egypt. The capture of Alexandria, after a prolonged siege and battles at Tarnut and Sulteis, marked a significant achievement in the Muslim conquest of Egypt. The division of Muslim garrisons and establishment of Misr al-Fustat as the capital solidified Muslim rule in the region.

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Summary

00:00

Early Muslim Expansion: Conquest and Strategy

  • The Early Muslim expansion altered the Middle East and global history.
  • Season one covered early campaigns led by Khalid ibn al-Walid in Iraq and Syria.
  • The second documentary details Arab incursions into Anatolia, Egypt, Iran, and North Africa, showcasing the Rashidun Caliphate's rise to power.
  • Making long videos is time-consuming; viewers are encouraged to like, comment, and share.
  • NordVPN sponsors the video, offering 5500 servers in 60 countries to bypass regional restrictions and protect browsing data.
  • The early Muslim army's description is suggested as a starting point for the video.
  • Bedouin Arabs, accustomed to tribal warfare, formed the foundation for the conquest army.
  • Islamic armies utilized camel-mounted infantry to launch surprise attacks on Byzantine and Sassanid territories.
  • Khalid ibn Al Walid's strategic use of mobility and deception led to victories against Sassanid forces.
  • The Rashidun armies featured a mix of infantry and cavalry, with equipment often privately acquired or provided by benefactors.

14:49

Muslim Conquest of Sassanid Empire: Key Events

  • The Hamra, or 'red people', were traitors to the Sassanid shah's cause during the Muslim invasion of Khuzestan and the Siege of Shushtar.
  • The Asawira, elite Persian soldiers, converted to Islam and joined the caliph's side, receiving high pay, dwellings in Basra, and honor within the Bani Tamim tribe.
  • Arab soldiers, following Islamic rules of military conduct known as siyar, were relatively well-behaved during conflicts.
  • The Muslim conquest of the Middle East began in 633 with the campaign in Mesopotamia against the Sassanid empire by Khalid ibn al-Walid.
  • Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqas led the Muslim army to victory at the battle of al-Qadisiyyah against Rostam's Sassanid force.
  • Jalinus, a Sassanid commander, valiantly defended his troops during the battle, but was eventually defeated by Zuhra and his Arab horsemen.
  • Zuhra and his forces pursued scattered Persian units, defeating them at various locations on their way to Ctesiphon.
  • The Muslims besieged Ctesiphon, cutting off the city's food supplies and conducting raids on the hinterland.
  • Persian civilians suffered starvation during the siege, leading to a desperate sortie by Sassanid troops, which was repulsed by the Muslims.
  • The Persian forces in Veh-Ardashir withdrew across the Tigris, leaving western Ctesiphon under Muslim control, as Yazdegerd III prepared to move his court to Hulwan.

29:25

Muslim Conquest: Ctesiphon to Jerusalem

  • Yazdegerd appointed Rostam’s brother Khurrazad and Mihran to defend the eastern city.
  • Sa’d, at Veh-Ardashir, was urged to act quickly by a Persian, warning of Yazdegerd’s imminent departure from Ctesiphon.
  • A local guided Sa’d to a ford in the river, which he initially deemed unsuitable.
  • Sa’d had a dream of crossing the river with ease, leading him to decide on a cavalry crossing.
  • Asim led 700 Muslim warriors in a dangerous river crossing, meeting resistance from Khurrazad’s Persians.
  • Yazdegerd fled Ctesiphon upon hearing of the Muslim crossing, leaving the city vulnerable.
  • Sa’d successfully ferried his army across the Tigris, encountering minimal resistance.
  • Salman, a Persian convert to Islam, negotiated the surrender of the White Palace defenders in Ctesiphon.
  • The Muslims seized Ctesiphon, acquiring treasures and witnessing mass conversions to Islam.
  • The Muslims, led by Umar, conquered Jerusalem after a prolonged siege, with Khalid playing a significant role.

44:07

Dismissal of Khalid: Rise of Amr

  • Khalid, a successful Muslim general, was dismissed by Caliph Umar due to concerns about his growing popularity and extravagance.
  • Amr ibn al-As, a prominent Arab general, gained recognition for his role in various battles, including Ajnadayn and Yarmouk.
  • Abu Ubaidah allocated Palestine to Amr after the conquest of different territories.
  • Heraclius, the Roman Emperor, sought to impede Muslim advancement by instigating Christian Arab allies to attack the Muslim army in Syria.
  • Umar reacted swiftly by instructing Sa’d to send three columns from Persia to invade Jazeera from Iraq.
  • Muslim forces under Sa’d successfully invaded Jazeera, leading to the complete annexation of the region.
  • Khalid, leading a mounted raiding party, captured Marash in Autumn 638 and distributed his share of battle spoils generously.
  • Ash’as bin Qais, a talented poet, received 10,000 dirhams from Khalid after reciting a beautiful piece, unknowingly marking the end of Khalid's military career.
  • Umar dismissed Khalid from his position due to concerns about his popularity overshadowing devotion to God, leading Khalid to live a quiet life in Chalkis until his death in 642.
  • Amr ibn al-As, a lesser-known but bold Arab general, emerged as a significant figure after being appointed to govern all of Palestine by Abu Ubaidah.

59:16

Conquest of Roman Egypt by Amr

  • Upon moving into the area, he forced the surrender of Gaza and several other Roman garrisons after the Fall of Jerusalem.
  • In early 639, a plague spread rapidly throughout the Levant, causing the deaths of many Arabs, including generals Yazid, Shurahbil, and Abu Ubaidah.
  • Amr, surviving the plague, proposed to the caliph the conquest of Roman Egypt due to its prosperity and weak defenses.
  • Initially reluctant, the caliph Umar eventually agreed to Amr's plan to seize Roman Egypt with a limited force of 4,000 cavalry.
  • Amr defied Umar's orders to withdraw, entering Egypt and besieging Pelusium, a key city.
  • After taking Pelusium, Amr faced resistance from the Roman forces in Babylon, a strong defensive bastion.
  • Amr requested reinforcements from Umar, who sent 4,000 troops, and later another 4,000 under Zubayr bin Al-Awwam.
  • Zubayr's reconnaissance revealed a potential threat from Heliopolis, leading to its capture and the defeat of the Roman forces.
  • Amr's forces, with strategic planning and a feigned retreat, defeated the Romans at Babylon, leading to their surrender.
  • Cyrus, the Roman prefect, capitulated to Amr's terms, paying the Jizya and submitting Egypt to Islamic rule, securing Memphis and paving the way for the push towards Alexandria.

01:15:27

Muslim Conquest of Alexandria: A Historic Triumph

  • After the fall of Babylon to Rashidun forces in December 640, Amr Ibn al-As requested permission from caliph Umar to continue towards Alexandria.
  • Emperor Heraclius sent reinforcements to Alexandria to protect the city at all costs.
  • Amr's Muslim army, after receiving orders from the caliph, left Babylon in February 641 and marched towards Alexandria.
  • The Muslim army faced light Roman resistance at Tarnut and Kaum Shareek before capturing Sulteis and winning a battle at Kiryaun, near Alexandria.
  • Alexandria, built by Alexander the Great, was approached by the Muslims from the northeast, where they faced Roman artillery attacks.
  • Roman defenders launched sorties against the Muslim army but consistently failed to push them back.
  • A fierce clash between the Arabian Mahra tribe and Roman defenders ended in an exchange of heads after negotiations.
  • Amr's forces captured Alexandria in late October 641 after a prolonged siege, marking a significant Muslim achievement.
  • Amr was denied permission by caliph Umar to make Alexandria his headquarters due to Umar's distrust of large bodies of water.
  • Amr established the first capital of Islamic Egypt, Misr al-Fustat, and successfully pacified regions like Damietta, Heliopolis, and Fayyum by mid-642.

01:31:15

Muslim Conquest: Battles and Victories in Persia

  • Amr's army left Tripoli for Sabrata, where they attacked the town by surprise, sacking it and returning to Tripoli.
  • Amr's request to continue his conquest was rejected by Caliph Umar due to concerns of overextension.
  • Sa'd was halted from pursuing Yazdegerd further east by Umar's command, leading him to establish a garrison in Suristan, which later became Kufa.
  • Utba bin Ghazwan founded Basra after coming across an arid area, leading to a frontier between the caliphate and the Sassanid Empire at the Zagros mountains.
  • Hormuzan initiated hostilities against the Caliphate, leading to a campaign where Musa defeated him and captured Shushtar and Susa.
  • Umar ordered Musa to take Ahwaz and stop Hormuzan's attacks, resulting in Musa defeating Hormuzan and capturing Shushtar.
  • Hormuzan retreated to Shushtar, where Musa captured him and the city, followed by Susa, consolidating Muslim rule in Khuzestan.
  • Yazdegerd raised an army at Nahavand to face the Muslims, with Mardanshah leading the Sassanid forces.
  • Nu'man bin Muqarrin led the Muslim army to Nahavand, where they engaged in a final battle against Mardanshah's forces.
  • The Muslim army attacked Mardanshah's fortified position, facing deadly Persian arrows and caltrops, leading to a fierce battle.

01:46:08

Decisive Battle: Muslims Triumph Over Sassanids

  • Nu’man’s men faced arrow fire as they charged uphill into Sassanid ranks, engaging in a fierce melee combat.
  • Muslims managed to briefly push back Persian soldiers in some areas but were consistently counterattacked and forced back to their original positions.
  • The battle was characterized by heavy casualties on both sides, with dead and wounded littering the field.
  • After a night of recovery, Nu’man launched another frontal assault on the second day, resulting in heavy losses for the Muslims.
  • Nu’man refrained from a third frontal assault, opting for a strategic approach suggested by Tuleiha bin Khuleiwad.
  • Muslims spread false rumors of Caliph Umar’s death to deceive the Persians, leading to a plan to outflank and surprise them.
  • Persians fell for the ruse, allowing Muslim cavalry to attack from behind and turn the tide of battle.
  • Despite fierce resistance, the Sassanid forces eventually collapsed and routed, leading to their defeat.
  • After Nu’man’s death, Hudayfah took command and defeated the remaining Sassanid forces at Darazeed.
  • The victory at Nahavand marked the end of the Sassanid Empire, solidifying Muslim dominance in the region.

02:01:28

Amr's Victory: Conquest of Egypt and Alexandria

  • Amr's officers wanted to attack Romans advancing from Alexandria to Fustat, but Amr believed stretching Roman supply lines was a better strategy.
  • Manuel and his army were closely observed by Amr's informants as they moved along the Nile with warships sailing parallel to them.
  • Byzantine soldiers' indiscipline caused issues as they moved through towns, upsetting the population.
  • Amr countered Manuel's advance with 15,000 warriors, leading to a clash near Nikiou.
  • Manuel's forces launched a barrage of arrows and a naval attack against Amr's army, causing heavy casualties.
  • Despite initial losses, Muslims showed tenacity and endured the Roman attacks.
  • A single combat duel between Haumal and a Roman champion gave Amr time to regroup his army.
  • Amr's reorganized army charged and defeated Manuel's forces after a grinding melee.
  • Alexandria fell to Amr's forces after a siege, with the city's defences eventually breached.
  • Amr's conquest of Egypt led to the division of Muslim garrisons and a new rule securing Muslim dominance in the region.

02:16:48

Muslims defeat Romans at Sufetula

  • Muslim governor lifted siege of Tripoli and moved west, leading Rashidun army to plunder Roman Africa.
  • Gregory reacted to Muslims' location, shifted his army to Faiz for battle.
  • Rashidun light cavalry attacked Roman army at Faiz, forcing retreat to Sufetula.
  • Gregory and Muslims deployed for battle near Sufetula, with Roman army in defensive posture.
  • Gregory offered his daughter's hand to warrior who killed Abdullah, boosting morale in Roman army.
  • Muslims countered by offering Gregory's daughter to warrior who killed him, leading to a stalemate.
  • Zubayr, a Muslim officer, exploited a weakly defended gate in Sufetula, assassinated Gregory.
  • Muslim cavalry charged Roman army, leading to Roman collapse and Muslim victory at Sufetula.
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