* 634 - 644 = time of Arab expansion (Islam remained a chiefly Arab religion)
o After they went into North Africa many non Arab people converted
* Many ppl saw Islam as a well organized life
* Way of life did not conflict w/ Muslim teachings (culture remained diverse)
o Also Muslims tolerated Jews and Christians (more diverse)
Political Divisions in the Islamic Empire:
* Umayyads = strong military leaders
* Muslim territories became dissatisfied w/ Umayyad rule
* Non Arabs = angry b/c were treated like 2nd class citizens
* 969 empire = split in 3 parts
o Baghdad
o Cordova
o Cairo
The Abbasid Dynasty
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