The Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate and Rise of the Abbasids

Key Event: Battle at the Great Zab River (750)

• Location: Great Zab River, modern-day Iraq
• Umayyad Caliphate: Expected to easily defeat the outnumbered Abbasid army
• Abbasid Army: Diverse group of dissidents, rebellious Arabs, non-Arabs, and Christians
• Outcome: Umayyad Caliphate suffered a shocking defeat, leading to its collapse
• Significance: Marked the end of Umayyad rule after a century and began the rise of the Abbasids

Overview of the Umayyad Caliphate

• Territorial Reach: Covered 11 million square kilometers, larger than China or Canada
• Population: Ruled over approximately 30 million people, about a third of the world’s population at that time
• Cultural and Scientific Contributions: Notable contributions to art, science, architecture, and political administration
• Governance System: Caliphate with caliphs as heads of state

Early Caliphates and the Rise of the Umayyads

• Rashidun Caliphate: First caliphate following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632
  • First Caliph: Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s long-time advisor
  • Political Instability: Characterized by political infighting and bloodshed
  • Assassination of Ali: Led to civil war and the beginning of Umayyad rule
• Umayyad Caliphate: Began in 661 with Mu’awiya the First

Umayyad Governance and Expansion

• Centralized System: Based in Damascus, Syria; managed via appointed governors
• Military Strength: Expanded into North Africa, Central Asia, and Europe under Mu’awiya
• Economic Disparities and Dissent: Perceived favoritism towards Syrian Arabs and unfair distribution of wealth

Factors Leading to the Umayyad Downfall

• Battle of Constantinople (717): Humiliating defeat against Byzantine forces
  • Conditions: Harsh winter, lack of food, and “Greek fire” weapon used by Byzantines
• Growing Discontent: Widespread dissatisfaction among non-Arab Muslims and other religions

The Abbasid Revolution

• Initial Discontent: Abbasids, related to Muhammad, opposed the Umayyad hereditary rule
• Military Campaign: Started by taking control of Persia (747)
• Final Confrontation: Overpowered Umayyads at the Great Zab River (750)
  • Abbasid Victory: Better preparation and commitment
  • Aftermath: Execution of Umayyad leaders, end of Umayyad rule

The Establishment of the Abbasid Caliphate

• First Abbasid Caliph: Abu al-ʿAbbas al-Saffah
• Period of Rule: Lasted for 500 years
• Significance: Transition of power marked the end of one of history’s greatest empires