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Early Muslim Conquests (622-656 CE)
Islam arose as a religious and socio-political force in Arabia in the 7th century CE (610 CE onwards). The Islamic Prophet Muhammad (l. 570-632 CE), despite facing resistance and persecution, amassed a huge following and started building...
Definition
Rashidun Caliphate
The first four caliphs of the Islamic empire – Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali are referred to as Rashidun (rightly guided) Caliphs (632-661 CE) by mainstream Sunni Muslims. Their tenure started with the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE...
Definition
Abu Bakr
Abu Bakr (l. 573-634 CE, r. 632-634 CE) was an early convert of Islam; he was a close friend and confidant of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, and became the first caliph of the Islamic empire – a successor to Muhammad's temporal position but...
Definition
Umar
Umar ibn al-Khattab (r. 634-644 CE) was the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE, as the first four caliphs are referred to by the Sunni Muslims). He was an early convert of Islam and one of the close companions of the Islamic...
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Athena, Protective Deity of Athens
A marble statue of Athena, the protective deity of Athens. Replica of a Greek original, most likely from Italy, either c. 100 BCE or 100-200 CE. (Musee du Louvre Abu Dhabi)
Definition
Prophet Muhammad
Muhammad ibn Abdullah (l. 570-632 CE) is venerated today as the Prophet of Islam and the “seal of Prophets” by his followers – the Muslims. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last – hence the “seal” – of many prophets before him in Judaism...
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Scaffolding Arch of Abu Simbel Great Temple, 1966
International campaign for the safeguarding of the Nubian monuments launched by UNESCO. In this photo, you can see the first arch of the scaffolding for the dome of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel under erection on its new site. Abu Simbel...
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Dismantling of Abu Simbel Statues, 1966
Dismantling of the statues of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel during the International Campaign for the Safeguard of the Nubian Monuments launched by UNESCO.
Abu Simbel, Egypt, Nubia (9 February 1966)
Article
Battle of Yarmouk
The Battle of Yarmouk River (or Yarmuk River; also written as the Battle of Jabiya-Yarmuk) was fought over the course of six days, from 15 to 20 August 636 CE, between the Muslim army of the Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE), under Khalid ibn...
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Solar System by Kornmesser
An illustration of the solar system by Martin Kornmesser. From The International Astronomical Union.