Week 9– The Worlds of Byzantium and Islam

Questions to Consider when Reading the Primary Sources

The Koran and the Spread of the Muslim Faith – pg. 138

1. How does this excerpt from the Koran reflect the cultural values and geographic environment of the Arabs of the sixth and seventh centuries CE?
2. What rewards and punishments await the faithful and the unbelievers?
3. Do other religions contain similar ideas?

The Crusades in Muslim Eyes – pg. 145

1. What view of Christians and Europeans did Usamah hold?  Why?
2. Was his view reasonable?
3. Do his values in any way distort his viewpoint?  Why or why not?
4. What biases, both Christian and Muslim, are exhibited in Usamah’s comments?

Draw Their Veils Over Their Bosoms – pg. 147

1. What are some of the possible explanations why female attire in the Arab world became more restrictive over time?
2. Did the custom go beyond the original Koranic requirements?
3. Do other cultures and religions have similar requirements?  Why or why not?

 A Western View of the Byzantine Empire – pg. 155

1. Was Liudprand a skilled diplomat?
2. How accurate does his estimate of Constantine VII appear to be?  Why?
3. Does Liudprand exhibit any signs of western inferiority when he appeared before the eastern emperor?
4. What does his note about the carzimasia tell about him and his perception of the emperor?