Petra M. Sijpesteijn
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199673902
- eISBN:
- 9780191758133
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199673902.003.0003
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter discusses the Arab conquest of Egypt; post-conquest Muslim rule and government; Arab settlement in the Egyptian countryside; the administrative structure; and Arab presence fifty years ...
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This chapter discusses the Arab conquest of Egypt; post-conquest Muslim rule and government; Arab settlement in the Egyptian countryside; the administrative structure; and Arab presence fifty years after the conquest. The new Muslim rulers did not have the manpower to replace the Byzantine administration immediately after the conquest of Egypt in 642. However, in the post-conquest period, Muslims were involved in the fiscal administration of the country. While being challenged militarily and morally during this early period, the Arab conquerors were able to establish stable rule in Egypt on their own terms, and using local practice and knowledge in combination with their own strategic and political experiences and insights.Less
This chapter discusses the Arab conquest of Egypt; post-conquest Muslim rule and government; Arab settlement in the Egyptian countryside; the administrative structure; and Arab presence fifty years after the conquest. The new Muslim rulers did not have the manpower to replace the Byzantine administration immediately after the conquest of Egypt in 642. However, in the post-conquest period, Muslims were involved in the fiscal administration of the country. While being challenged militarily and morally during this early period, the Arab conquerors were able to establish stable rule in Egypt on their own terms, and using local practice and knowledge in combination with their own strategic and political experiences and insights.
William F. McCants
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691151489
- eISBN:
- 9781400840069
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691151489.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
From the dawn of writing in Sumer to the sunset of the Islamic empire, this book traces four thousand years of speculation on the origins of civilization. Investigating a vast range of primary ...
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From the dawn of writing in Sumer to the sunset of the Islamic empire, this book traces four thousand years of speculation on the origins of civilization. Investigating a vast range of primary sources, some of which are translated here for the first time, and focusing on the dynamic influence of the Greek, Roman, and Arab conquests of the Near East, the book looks at the ways the conquerors and those they conquered reshaped their myths of civilization's origins in response to the social and political consequences of empire. The Greek and Roman conquests brought with them a learned culture that competed with that of native elites. The conquering Arabs, in contrast, had no learned culture, which led to three hundred years of Muslim competition over the cultural orientation of Islam, a contest reflected in the culture myths of that time. What we know today as Islamic culture is the product of this contest, whose protagonists drew heavily on the lore of non-Arab and pagan antiquity. The book argues that authors in all three periods did not write about civilization's origins solely out of pure antiquarian interest—they also sought to address the social and political tensions of the day. The strategies they employed and the postcolonial dilemmas they confronted provide invaluable context for understanding how authors today use myth and history to locate themselves in the confusing aftermath of empire.Less
From the dawn of writing in Sumer to the sunset of the Islamic empire, this book traces four thousand years of speculation on the origins of civilization. Investigating a vast range of primary sources, some of which are translated here for the first time, and focusing on the dynamic influence of the Greek, Roman, and Arab conquests of the Near East, the book looks at the ways the conquerors and those they conquered reshaped their myths of civilization's origins in response to the social and political consequences of empire. The Greek and Roman conquests brought with them a learned culture that competed with that of native elites. The conquering Arabs, in contrast, had no learned culture, which led to three hundred years of Muslim competition over the cultural orientation of Islam, a contest reflected in the culture myths of that time. What we know today as Islamic culture is the product of this contest, whose protagonists drew heavily on the lore of non-Arab and pagan antiquity. The book argues that authors in all three periods did not write about civilization's origins solely out of pure antiquarian interest—they also sought to address the social and political tensions of the day. The strategies they employed and the postcolonial dilemmas they confronted provide invaluable context for understanding how authors today use myth and history to locate themselves in the confusing aftermath of empire.
Stephen J. Davis
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774248306
- eISBN:
- 9781617970436
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774248306.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter examines the history of ecclesiastical colonialism and the challenges faced by the Egyptian Church during the period from 451 to the rise of Islam. It aims to provide a better ...
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This chapter examines the history of ecclesiastical colonialism and the challenges faced by the Egyptian Church during the period from 451 to the rise of Islam. It aims to provide a better understanding of how the social and theological identity of the Egyptian papacy was conditioned by imperialist discourses of power and by the complications of political resistance. It also traces the circuitous history of the papal resistance to the Chalcedonian Church up to the Arab conquest of Egypt in 642, an event that ultimately reshuffled the political landscape for Egyptian Christians and posed new possibilities and new challenges for Coptic papal leadership.Less
This chapter examines the history of ecclesiastical colonialism and the challenges faced by the Egyptian Church during the period from 451 to the rise of Islam. It aims to provide a better understanding of how the social and theological identity of the Egyptian papacy was conditioned by imperialist discourses of power and by the complications of political resistance. It also traces the circuitous history of the papal resistance to the Chalcedonian Church up to the Arab conquest of Egypt in 642, an event that ultimately reshuffled the political landscape for Egyptian Christians and posed new possibilities and new challenges for Coptic papal leadership.
Jack Tannous
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691179094
- eISBN:
- 9780691184166
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691179094.003.0016
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This concluding chapter argues that late Roman Syria was a place where linguistic frontiers did not translate into cultural boundaries. The Arab conquests of the seventh century did not change this; ...
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This concluding chapter argues that late Roman Syria was a place where linguistic frontiers did not translate into cultural boundaries. The Arab conquests of the seventh century did not change this; instead, the prestige their new scripture enjoyed added a third literary language, Arabic, to the mix of a region with an already rich history of intercultural exchange. Moreover, religious dynamics continued as they had for centuries—viewed against the background of post-Chalcedonian Christian–Christian interaction, the scope and nature of Christian–Muslim interaction looks very familiar. Ultimately, in trying to place the existence of the Middle East's population of simple Christians not just into this story, but at its center, this book has attempted to capture some of the excitement and interest of this process in a way that does justice to all of the people living there, not just a small subset of them.Less
This concluding chapter argues that late Roman Syria was a place where linguistic frontiers did not translate into cultural boundaries. The Arab conquests of the seventh century did not change this; instead, the prestige their new scripture enjoyed added a third literary language, Arabic, to the mix of a region with an already rich history of intercultural exchange. Moreover, religious dynamics continued as they had for centuries—viewed against the background of post-Chalcedonian Christian–Christian interaction, the scope and nature of Christian–Muslim interaction looks very familiar. Ultimately, in trying to place the existence of the Middle East's population of simple Christians not just into this story, but at its center, this book has attempted to capture some of the excitement and interest of this process in a way that does justice to all of the people living there, not just a small subset of them.
Stephen Ruzicka
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199766628
- eISBN:
- 9780199932719
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199766628.003.0021
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE, World History: BCE to 500CE
As discussed here, we can situate the Persian-Egyptian conflict within a much more extensive story of Near Eastern-Egyptian opposition. Seen in this context, the Persian-Egyptian conflict was ...
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As discussed here, we can situate the Persian-Egyptian conflict within a much more extensive story of Near Eastern-Egyptian opposition. Seen in this context, the Persian-Egyptian conflict was especially significant for drawing far western peoples—Greeks and then Macedonians—into the framework of the ongoing Near Eastern–Egyptian war. Subsequent ancient history is marked by ongoing eastern core–western core conflict, with Mesopotamia and Egypt as the cores. Thus post-Alexander polarities such as Seleucids vs. Ptolemies are really a continuation of East-West conflict, as are the Parthian-Roman wars and later Sasanid Persian wars. Arab conquests briefly unite eastern and western cores, but only for a time, as the creation of Baghdad as the center of the Islamic world reconstituted a distinct eastern core and set the stage for renewed East-West conflict.Less
As discussed here, we can situate the Persian-Egyptian conflict within a much more extensive story of Near Eastern-Egyptian opposition. Seen in this context, the Persian-Egyptian conflict was especially significant for drawing far western peoples—Greeks and then Macedonians—into the framework of the ongoing Near Eastern–Egyptian war. Subsequent ancient history is marked by ongoing eastern core–western core conflict, with Mesopotamia and Egypt as the cores. Thus post-Alexander polarities such as Seleucids vs. Ptolemies are really a continuation of East-West conflict, as are the Parthian-Roman wars and later Sasanid Persian wars. Arab conquests briefly unite eastern and western cores, but only for a time, as the creation of Baghdad as the center of the Islamic world reconstituted a distinct eastern core and set the stage for renewed East-West conflict.
Judith Herrin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691153018
- eISBN:
- 9781400845224
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691153018.003.0012
- Subject:
- History, World Medieval History
This chapter examines the fate of both the theory and reality of pentarchy from the 640s until the 880s, a period that links the Arab conquests of the Near East with the Eighth Ecumenical Council. ...
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This chapter examines the fate of both the theory and reality of pentarchy from the 640s until the 880s, a period that links the Arab conquests of the Near East with the Eighth Ecumenical Council. The pentarchy formalized the existence of a hierarchy of five major sees—Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem—which assumed collective responsibility for the united direction of the entire church within the confines of the Byzantine Empire. The chapter considers the replacement of the rule of five by a distinct authority vested in the bishop of Rome by virtue of his Petrine tradition. It looks at two great intellectuals of the ninth century, Pope Nicholas I and Patriarch Photios, who developed quite different theories of ecclesiastical authority. It shows how the conversion of the Bulgars triggered a new conflict between the Christians of East and West that inevitably brought the pentarchy into question. It also discusses East–West divisions over the filioque.Less
This chapter examines the fate of both the theory and reality of pentarchy from the 640s until the 880s, a period that links the Arab conquests of the Near East with the Eighth Ecumenical Council. The pentarchy formalized the existence of a hierarchy of five major sees—Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem—which assumed collective responsibility for the united direction of the entire church within the confines of the Byzantine Empire. The chapter considers the replacement of the rule of five by a distinct authority vested in the bishop of Rome by virtue of his Petrine tradition. It looks at two great intellectuals of the ninth century, Pope Nicholas I and Patriarch Photios, who developed quite different theories of ecclesiastical authority. It shows how the conversion of the Bulgars triggered a new conflict between the Christians of East and West that inevitably brought the pentarchy into question. It also discusses East–West divisions over the filioque.
Timothy Power
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9789774165443
- eISBN:
- 9781617971372
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774165443.003.0003
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Middle Eastern Studies
The sixth and seventh centuries constitute an extended period of contested hegemony bridging the more stable Late Roman and Early Islamic eras. The period of Ethiopian hegemony begins with the ...
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The sixth and seventh centuries constitute an extended period of contested hegemony bridging the more stable Late Roman and Early Islamic eras. The period of Ethiopian hegemony begins with the delegation of the Red Sea frontier by Byzantines to the Aksumites, wherein the Byzantine-backed Aksumsite conquest of Himyarite Yemen is discussed. The period of Persian hegemony spans the Sasanian conquest of Yemen and Egypt, which is located within the wider ‘cold war’ between the Byzantines and Sasanians. The period of Arab hegemony considers the Muslim co-option of post-Himyarite Yemen and conflict with Aksumite Ethiopia, culminating in the Arab conquest of Egypt, in which the Red Sea is shown to have played an important role.Less
The sixth and seventh centuries constitute an extended period of contested hegemony bridging the more stable Late Roman and Early Islamic eras. The period of Ethiopian hegemony begins with the delegation of the Red Sea frontier by Byzantines to the Aksumites, wherein the Byzantine-backed Aksumsite conquest of Himyarite Yemen is discussed. The period of Persian hegemony spans the Sasanian conquest of Yemen and Egypt, which is located within the wider ‘cold war’ between the Byzantines and Sasanians. The period of Arab hegemony considers the Muslim co-option of post-Himyarite Yemen and conflict with Aksumite Ethiopia, culminating in the Arab conquest of Egypt, in which the Red Sea is shown to have played an important role.
Marcus Milwright
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748623105
- eISBN:
- 9780748671298
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748623105.003.0002
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Methodology and Techniques
This chapter deals with the degree to which the earliest phase of Islamic history (seventh and early eighth centuries) exhibits continuity with the patterns of urban and rural life in the preceding ...
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This chapter deals with the degree to which the earliest phase of Islamic history (seventh and early eighth centuries) exhibits continuity with the patterns of urban and rural life in the preceding centuries (i.e. late antiquity). The first section deals with the earliest archaeological evidence for the new Muslim community in the seventh century, and concentrates upon monumental inscriptions and texts found on portable objects such as coins and papyri. The second section presents a brief survey of the archaeology of late antiquity in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. The final section is concerned with the elite residences (qusur) constructed in Greater Syria during the late seventh and the first half of the eighth century. The distribution and morphology of these structures is considered in relation to the architectural patronage of other Arab groups between the fifth and the early seventh centuries.Less
This chapter deals with the degree to which the earliest phase of Islamic history (seventh and early eighth centuries) exhibits continuity with the patterns of urban and rural life in the preceding centuries (i.e. late antiquity). The first section deals with the earliest archaeological evidence for the new Muslim community in the seventh century, and concentrates upon monumental inscriptions and texts found on portable objects such as coins and papyri. The second section presents a brief survey of the archaeology of late antiquity in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. The final section is concerned with the elite residences (qusur) constructed in Greater Syria during the late seventh and the first half of the eighth century. The distribution and morphology of these structures is considered in relation to the architectural patronage of other Arab groups between the fifth and the early seventh centuries.
Daniel Galadza
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198812036
- eISBN:
- 9780191850042
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198812036.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
Once the liturgical tradition of Jerusalem has been presented, Chapter 2 examines the historical context of Byzantinization, narrated from the perspective of liturgy through the example of pilgrims, ...
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Once the liturgical tradition of Jerusalem has been presented, Chapter 2 examines the historical context of Byzantinization, narrated from the perspective of liturgy through the example of pilgrims, monks, bishops, emperors, and caliphs. It is within this context that we approach the interaction between Jerusalem and Constantinople. Christological controversies played a role in defining Christian communities in Jerusalem, but it was contact between the monks from St Sabas Lavra in Palestine and the monks from the Stoudios Monastery in Constantinople that left a lasting mark on Jerusalem’s liturgy. Their liturgical interaction—and not, say, a political ideology of the Byzantine empire to consciously export the liturgy of Constantinople, or the influence of the exiled Jerusalemite patriarchs in Constantinople—provides answers to questions of liturgical Byzantinization.Less
Once the liturgical tradition of Jerusalem has been presented, Chapter 2 examines the historical context of Byzantinization, narrated from the perspective of liturgy through the example of pilgrims, monks, bishops, emperors, and caliphs. It is within this context that we approach the interaction between Jerusalem and Constantinople. Christological controversies played a role in defining Christian communities in Jerusalem, but it was contact between the monks from St Sabas Lavra in Palestine and the monks from the Stoudios Monastery in Constantinople that left a lasting mark on Jerusalem’s liturgy. Their liturgical interaction—and not, say, a political ideology of the Byzantine empire to consciously export the liturgy of Constantinople, or the influence of the exiled Jerusalemite patriarchs in Constantinople—provides answers to questions of liturgical Byzantinization.
Thomas Sizgorich
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199925049
- eISBN:
- 9780199980468
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199925049.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
To date, the literatures produced in the lands subject to Muslim rule following the Arab conquests of the first/seventh century have seldom been read in accordance with the hermeneutic strategies ...
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To date, the literatures produced in the lands subject to Muslim rule following the Arab conquests of the first/seventh century have seldom been read in accordance with the hermeneutic strategies that have emerged from the works of such postcolonial critics as Edward Said and Homi Bhabha. When the Muslim and Christian texts produced within the late ancient and early medieval dār al-Islām are read in this fashion, however, they reveal much about the imperial context within which their authors imagined and wrote. This chapter suggests that monastic space—that imagined and topographical space associated with Christian monks and monastic institutions and traditions—provided Muslim and Christian authors alike a venue in which to fantasize about relations between their respective communities. These texts suggest much about the economies of desire, imagination and power that abided within the diverse and increasingly interconnected Muslim and Christian communities of the post-conquest Muslim empire.Less
To date, the literatures produced in the lands subject to Muslim rule following the Arab conquests of the first/seventh century have seldom been read in accordance with the hermeneutic strategies that have emerged from the works of such postcolonial critics as Edward Said and Homi Bhabha. When the Muslim and Christian texts produced within the late ancient and early medieval dār al-Islām are read in this fashion, however, they reveal much about the imperial context within which their authors imagined and wrote. This chapter suggests that monastic space—that imagined and topographical space associated with Christian monks and monastic institutions and traditions—provided Muslim and Christian authors alike a venue in which to fantasize about relations between their respective communities. These texts suggest much about the economies of desire, imagination and power that abided within the diverse and increasingly interconnected Muslim and Christian communities of the post-conquest Muslim empire.
Zohar Amar and Efraim Lev
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780748697816
- eISBN:
- 9781474430418
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748697816.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This chapter draws some conclusions from the researches laid out in the previous chapter. It considers the extent of the Indian contribution to the inventory of medicinal substances in the early ...
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This chapter draws some conclusions from the researches laid out in the previous chapter. It considers the extent of the Indian contribution to the inventory of medicinal substances in the early Islamic period, as well as how evidence of such contributions seems so scarce in comparison. The chapter also discusses the distribution of these drugs and how they were spurred on by ‘strong market forces’ — namely, the new trading routes and economic conditions created by the Arab conquests and their governmental policies. Literature and translations were just one way to transmit medical knowledge from the Classical to the Arab world and from there to the West; others were trade, diplomacy, pilgrimage, and waves of conquests. The chapter thus shows how the Arabs rendered a transformation of the entire medieval world, including the comprehensive dominance of Greek pharmacology along with Persian and Ayurvedic drugs.Less
This chapter draws some conclusions from the researches laid out in the previous chapter. It considers the extent of the Indian contribution to the inventory of medicinal substances in the early Islamic period, as well as how evidence of such contributions seems so scarce in comparison. The chapter also discusses the distribution of these drugs and how they were spurred on by ‘strong market forces’ — namely, the new trading routes and economic conditions created by the Arab conquests and their governmental policies. Literature and translations were just one way to transmit medical knowledge from the Classical to the Arab world and from there to the West; others were trade, diplomacy, pilgrimage, and waves of conquests. The chapter thus shows how the Arabs rendered a transformation of the entire medieval world, including the comprehensive dominance of Greek pharmacology along with Persian and Ayurvedic drugs.
Petra M. Sijpesteijn
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199673902
- eISBN:
- 9780191758133
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199673902.003.0006
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter presents some final thoughts about the Arab conquest of Egypt. The detailed discussion of Arab administration from the conquest of Egypt in the mid-seventh century into the eighth ...
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This chapter presents some final thoughts about the Arab conquest of Egypt. The detailed discussion of Arab administration from the conquest of Egypt in the mid-seventh century into the eighth century demonstrates flexibility, sophistication, and involvement of Arab administrators in the running of the rich province of Egypt. The dossier of letters written to and by two Egyptian provincial administrators some three generations after the Arab takeover of the country that forms the core of the discussion in this book provides a detailed view into a level of the administration and at a period that so far remained quite impenetrable.Less
This chapter presents some final thoughts about the Arab conquest of Egypt. The detailed discussion of Arab administration from the conquest of Egypt in the mid-seventh century into the eighth century demonstrates flexibility, sophistication, and involvement of Arab administrators in the running of the rich province of Egypt. The dossier of letters written to and by two Egyptian provincial administrators some three generations after the Arab takeover of the country that forms the core of the discussion in this book provides a detailed view into a level of the administration and at a period that so far remained quite impenetrable.
Sherin Sadek El Gendi
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9789774166631
- eISBN:
- 9781617976551
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774166631.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter presents Arabic sources that describe Christianity and monasticism in the city of al-Bahnasa during the centuries after the Arab conquest of Egypt. Arabic sources describe Al-Bahnasa as ...
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This chapter presents Arabic sources that describe Christianity and monasticism in the city of al-Bahnasa during the centuries after the Arab conquest of Egypt. Arabic sources describe Al-Bahnasa as flourishing due to its ancient Egyptian temples, Coptic monasteries, and churches. John of Nikiou mentions the city while writing about the Arab conquest of Egypt. Abu al-Makarim also writes that the churches of this city and the neighborhood are several and specifically mentions the church of St. Ammon (Abamun). He mentions the existence of about 360 churches in the area of al-Bahnasa. Among them are the church of Mary and the church of St. John or Abu Hanna the martyr. Al-Maqrizi (d. AH 845/AD 1441) mentions that the city of al-Bahnasa was built by a Copt named Minawish ibn Minqawish. He also writes about the Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary, outside Tanbda, a small village away from the main road.Less
This chapter presents Arabic sources that describe Christianity and monasticism in the city of al-Bahnasa during the centuries after the Arab conquest of Egypt. Arabic sources describe Al-Bahnasa as flourishing due to its ancient Egyptian temples, Coptic monasteries, and churches. John of Nikiou mentions the city while writing about the Arab conquest of Egypt. Abu al-Makarim also writes that the churches of this city and the neighborhood are several and specifically mentions the church of St. Ammon (Abamun). He mentions the existence of about 360 churches in the area of al-Bahnasa. Among them are the church of Mary and the church of St. John or Abu Hanna the martyr. Al-Maqrizi (d. AH 845/AD 1441) mentions that the city of al-Bahnasa was built by a Copt named Minawish ibn Minqawish. He also writes about the Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary, outside Tanbda, a small village away from the main road.
Petra M. Sijpesteijn
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199673902
- eISBN:
- 9780191758133
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199673902.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Asian and Middle Eastern History: BCE to 500CE
This book provides a synthetic study of the political, social, and economic processes which formed early Islamic Egypt. Looking at a corpus of previously unknown Arabic papyrus letters, dating from ...
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This book provides a synthetic study of the political, social, and economic processes which formed early Islamic Egypt. Looking at a corpus of previously unknown Arabic papyrus letters, dating from between ad 730 and 750, which were written to a Muslim administrator and merchant in the Fayyum oasis in Egypt, the book examines the reasons for the success of the early Arab conquests and the transition from the pre-Islamic Byzantine system and its Egyptian executors to an Arab/Muslim state. By examining the impact of Islam on the daily lives of those living under its rule, the book highlights the striking newness of Islamic society while also acknowledging the influence of the ancient societies which preceded it. The book applies theoretical discussions about governance, historiography, (social) linguistics, and source criticism to understand the dynamics of early Islamic Egypt, as well as the larger process of state formation in the Islamic world.Less
This book provides a synthetic study of the political, social, and economic processes which formed early Islamic Egypt. Looking at a corpus of previously unknown Arabic papyrus letters, dating from between ad 730 and 750, which were written to a Muslim administrator and merchant in the Fayyum oasis in Egypt, the book examines the reasons for the success of the early Arab conquests and the transition from the pre-Islamic Byzantine system and its Egyptian executors to an Arab/Muslim state. By examining the impact of Islam on the daily lives of those living under its rule, the book highlights the striking newness of Islamic society while also acknowledging the influence of the ancient societies which preceded it. The book applies theoretical discussions about governance, historiography, (social) linguistics, and source criticism to understand the dynamics of early Islamic Egypt, as well as the larger process of state formation in the Islamic world.
Phil Booth
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199915408
- eISBN:
- 9780199332816
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199915408.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, World History: BCE to 500CE
This chapter considers the writings of Sophronius of Jerusalem in the context of contemporary disputes over Christology and the tumultuous events of the Arab conquest. In face of imperial ‘heresy’ ...
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This chapter considers the writings of Sophronius of Jerusalem in the context of contemporary disputes over Christology and the tumultuous events of the Arab conquest. In face of imperial ‘heresy’ and military defeat, Sophronius distanced himself from the history of the Roman Empire through emphasis on the liturgy. Liturgy presented an apolitical history, a commemoration of the past that avoided the Eusebian connection of church and state.Less
This chapter considers the writings of Sophronius of Jerusalem in the context of contemporary disputes over Christology and the tumultuous events of the Arab conquest. In face of imperial ‘heresy’ and military defeat, Sophronius distanced himself from the history of the Roman Empire through emphasis on the liturgy. Liturgy presented an apolitical history, a commemoration of the past that avoided the Eusebian connection of church and state.
Samir Simaika and Nevine Henein
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9789774168239
- eISBN:
- 9781617978265
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774168239.003.0008
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
This chapter discusses Marcus Simaika's service to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Simaika's interest in the ancient Coptic churches was first aroused by the study of Dr. Alfred Joshua Butler's work on ...
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This chapter discusses Marcus Simaika's service to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Simaika's interest in the ancient Coptic churches was first aroused by the study of Dr. Alfred Joshua Butler's work on these churches, The Ancient Coptic Churches of Egypt, published in two volumes in 1884. It was while staying at Butler's house in Oxford in the autumn of 1890 that Simaika met Somers Clarke, the architect responsible for restoring English cathedrals. Simaika also wrote a book in which he provides a brief account of the dawn of Christianity in Egypt. The chapter considers the emergence of Christian monasticism in Egypt and the role played by monks and missionaries in the formation of the Coptic Orthodox Church's character of submission, simplicity, and humility. It also describes the impact of the Arab conquests on the Copts and the rise of lay Coptic notables such as Muʻallim Ghali.Less
This chapter discusses Marcus Simaika's service to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Simaika's interest in the ancient Coptic churches was first aroused by the study of Dr. Alfred Joshua Butler's work on these churches, The Ancient Coptic Churches of Egypt, published in two volumes in 1884. It was while staying at Butler's house in Oxford in the autumn of 1890 that Simaika met Somers Clarke, the architect responsible for restoring English cathedrals. Simaika also wrote a book in which he provides a brief account of the dawn of Christianity in Egypt. The chapter considers the emergence of Christian monasticism in Egypt and the role played by monks and missionaries in the formation of the Coptic Orthodox Church's character of submission, simplicity, and humility. It also describes the impact of the Arab conquests on the Copts and the rise of lay Coptic notables such as Muʻallim Ghali.
Daniel Galadza
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198812036
- eISBN:
- 9780191850042
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198812036.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
The church of Jerusalem, the ‘mother of the churches of God’, influenced all Christendom before it underwent multiple captivities between the eighth and thirteenth centuries: first, political ...
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The church of Jerusalem, the ‘mother of the churches of God’, influenced all Christendom before it underwent multiple captivities between the eighth and thirteenth centuries: first, political subjugation to Arab Islamic forces, then displacement of Greek-praying Christians by crusaders, and, finally, ritual assimilation to fellow Orthodox Byzantines in Constantinople. All three contributed to the phenomenon of the Byzantinization of Jerusalem’s liturgy, but only the last explains how the latter was completely lost and replaced by the liturgy of the imperial capital, Constantinople. The basis of this study is the rediscovered manuscripts of Jerusalem’s liturgical calendar and lectionary. When examined in context, they reveal that the devastating events of the Arab conquest in 638 and the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre in 1009 did not have as detrimental an effect on liturgy as previously held. They confirm that the process of Byzantinization was gradual and locally implemented rather than an imposed element of Byzantine imperial policy or ideology from the church of Constantinople. Originally the city’s worship consisted of reading Scripture and singing hymns at places connected with the life of Christ, so that the link between holy sites and liturgy became a hallmark of Jerusalem’s worship; but the changing sacred topography caused changes in the local liturgical tradition. This book is the first monograph dedicated to the question of the Byzantinization of Jerusalem’s liturgy; it provides for the first time English translations of many liturgical texts and hymns and offers a glimpse of Jerusalem’s lost liturgical and theological tradition.Less
The church of Jerusalem, the ‘mother of the churches of God’, influenced all Christendom before it underwent multiple captivities between the eighth and thirteenth centuries: first, political subjugation to Arab Islamic forces, then displacement of Greek-praying Christians by crusaders, and, finally, ritual assimilation to fellow Orthodox Byzantines in Constantinople. All three contributed to the phenomenon of the Byzantinization of Jerusalem’s liturgy, but only the last explains how the latter was completely lost and replaced by the liturgy of the imperial capital, Constantinople. The basis of this study is the rediscovered manuscripts of Jerusalem’s liturgical calendar and lectionary. When examined in context, they reveal that the devastating events of the Arab conquest in 638 and the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre in 1009 did not have as detrimental an effect on liturgy as previously held. They confirm that the process of Byzantinization was gradual and locally implemented rather than an imposed element of Byzantine imperial policy or ideology from the church of Constantinople. Originally the city’s worship consisted of reading Scripture and singing hymns at places connected with the life of Christ, so that the link between holy sites and liturgy became a hallmark of Jerusalem’s worship; but the changing sacred topography caused changes in the local liturgical tradition. This book is the first monograph dedicated to the question of the Byzantinization of Jerusalem’s liturgy; it provides for the first time English translations of many liturgical texts and hymns and offers a glimpse of Jerusalem’s lost liturgical and theological tradition.
Anthony Kaldellis
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199236428
- eISBN:
- 9780191863349
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199236428.003.0011
- Subject:
- History, Historiography
This chapter describes how the timeline of Byzantine historical writing can be divided into three 140-year periods: first, from AD 500–640, the end of late antiquity, when historiography flourished ...
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This chapter describes how the timeline of Byzantine historical writing can be divided into three 140-year periods: first, from AD 500–640, the end of late antiquity, when historiography flourished in many genres; second, from 640–780, when Byzantium struggled to resist Arab conquest and few surviving texts were produced; and finally, from 780–920, an age of recovery for the state and literature, when older traditions were resynthesized and the foundations for new developments were laid. Primarily, the society of the Eastern Empire was mostly Greek speaking, Christian, and specifically Roman in its political or national consciousness. The ‘usable past’ available to historians was therefore complex, consisting of incommensurate components that defined different sites of the culture.Less
This chapter describes how the timeline of Byzantine historical writing can be divided into three 140-year periods: first, from AD 500–640, the end of late antiquity, when historiography flourished in many genres; second, from 640–780, when Byzantium struggled to resist Arab conquest and few surviving texts were produced; and finally, from 780–920, an age of recovery for the state and literature, when older traditions were resynthesized and the foundations for new developments were laid. Primarily, the society of the Eastern Empire was mostly Greek speaking, Christian, and specifically Roman in its political or national consciousness. The ‘usable past’ available to historians was therefore complex, consisting of incommensurate components that defined different sites of the culture.
