The Abbasid Revolution | 744CE - 786CE | The Birth of Islam Episode 08

Summary

In 744CE, Marwan II became the final Umayyad caliph before the Abbasid revolution overthrew the dynasty. Abu Muslim, a mysterious figure, led the revolt, securing Merv and Persia, and eventually defeating Marwan's forces at the Battle of the Zab in 750CE. The Abbasids, contrasting the Umayyads, recruited diversely and meritocratically. Abd al-Rahman, a surviving Umayyad prince, fled to establish an emirate in Al-Andalus. Al-Mansur, consolidating power, founded Baghdad in 762CE, which evolved into a cosmopolitan center of the Islamic Golden Age, marked by cultural and intellectual advancements.

Takeaways

• 👑 In 744CE, Marwan II became the last Umayyad caliph, unaware of the dynasty's impending end.
• 🛑 After ninety years of Umayyad rule, corruption led to the dynasty's downfall.
• ⚔️ By 747CE, Abu Muslim, a secretive figure, had revolted and secured Khorasan and Persia against the Umayyads.
• 🏴 The Abbasids, with their black standard, opposed the Umayyads' white flag and moved towards Mesopotamia.
• 🎖️ In 749CE, the Abbasids declared Abul Abbas as-Saffah as caliph in Kufa, signaling their confidence in victory.
• 🗡️ The Battle of the Zab in 750CE resulted in the Umayyads' defeat, marking the end of their rule.
• 💀 Marwan II was killed after escaping to Egypt, and the Abbasids secured Damascus, ending the Umayyad dynasty.
• 🌐 The Abbasids contrasted the Umayyads by recruiting a diverse army and promoting meritocracy.
• 🏰 Abd al-Rahman, a Umayyad prince, escaped to Al-Andalus and established an independent emirate, preserving Umayyad legacy.
• 🏹 Al-Mansur, the brother of As-Saffah, is considered the real founder of the Abbasid Dynasty due to his significant contributions.
• 🗺️ Al-Mansur's reign saw the construction of Baghdad, which would become the world's largest city and a hub of learning and culture.
• 📚 The introduction of paper to Baghdad, along with the influx of diverse cultures, laid the foundation for the Islamic Golden Age.

Q & A

Who was Marwan II and what was his significance in the Umayyad dynasty?

Marwan II was the last Umayyad caliph who ascended to the throne in 744CE. His reign marked the end of the Umayyad dynasty after ninety years of rule, which was characterized by corruption.

What was the significance of the year 746CE in the context of the Umayyad dynasty?

In 746CE, Abu Muslim took control of Merv from the Umayyad governor, initiating a full revolt against the Umayyad dynasty, which would eventually lead to its downfall.

How did the Abbasids differentiate themselves from the Umayyads in terms of governance?

The Abbasids presented themselves as the opposite of the Umayyads. While the Umayyad bureaucracy was predominantly Arab, the Abbasids recruited soldiers from various ethnicities and ranked them by merit, promoting a more inclusive and meritocratic system.

What was the Abbasids' strategy for recruiting soldiers during their revolution against the Umayyads?

Abu Muslim, a key figure in the Abbasid revolution, traveled along the Silk Road in secrecy to find soldiers who would join their cause before launching the attack on Merv.

What was the significance of the Battle of the Zab in 750CE?

The Battle of the Zab in 750CE was a decisive moment where Marwan II's army was defeated by the Abbasids, effectively ending the Umayyad dynasty and marking the beginning of the Abbasid rule.

Who was Abd al-Rahman and how did he survive the Abbasid purge of the Umayyads?

Abd al-Rahman was the great-grandson of Abd al-Malik, an Umayyad prince. He managed to escape the Abbasid massacre by fleeing through Egypt and Africa to Al-Andalus (Hispania), where he established an independent emirate with support from the local population.

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Talas River in 751CE between the Abbasids and the Tang Empire?

The Battle of the Talas River resulted in a victory for the Abbasids, allowing them to take control of almost all of Central Asia and consolidate their rule.

Who succeeded As-Saffah as the caliph of the Abbasid Dynasty and what was his significance?

Al-Mansur succeeded As-Saffah and is often regarded as the real founder of the Abbasid Dynasty due to his significant contributions to the empire, including the establishment of a new city and the shift from an Arab to a more Persian empire.

What was the role of Abu Muslim in the Abbasid revolution and what was his fate?

Abu Muslim played a crucial role in the Abbasid revolution by securing support and leading the revolt against the Umayyads. However, after the Abbasids took power, Al-Mansur had Abu Muslim killed due to his significant influence and potential threat.

How did Abd al-Rahman manage to defeat the Abbasid army that surrounded him in Carmona?

Abd al-Rahman, facing an unbeatable situation, chose to fight to the death. He handpicked 700 of his men, had them throw their scabbards into a fire, and then attacked the Abbasid army by surprise, managing to defeat them and send the heads of their leaders to Al-Mansur.

What was the significance of the founding of Baghdad by Al-Mansur in 762CE?

The founding of Baghdad marked the establishment of a new capital for the Abbasid Dynasty. It eventually became the biggest city in the world, a center of learning and culture, and symbolized the shift from an Arab empire to a more Persian-influenced one.

What role did the immigrants play in the development of Baghdad during Al-Mahdi's reign?

Immigrants from all over the world contributed to the transformation of Baghdad into a metropolitan city during Al-Mahdi's reign. They brought with them diverse cultures, religions, and ideas, including the concept of paper, which became integral to the intellectual revolution and the Islamic Golden Age.

Outlines

00:00

🏛️ The Fall of the Umayyads and Rise of the Abbasids

In 744CE, Marwan II became the last Umayyad caliph, unaware of the impending revolution. Corruption had weakened the dynasty, and by 746CE, Abu Muslim had revolted and taken control of Merv. The Abbasids, with their black standard, opposed the Umayyads' white flag and expanded their influence. By 749CE, they had crossed the Euphrates and declared Abul Abbas as-Saffah as caliph in Kufa. Marwan II's forces were defeated at the Battle of the Zab in 750CE, marking the end of the Umayyad rule. The Abbasids, who painted themselves as the antithesis of the Umayyads, recruited a diverse army and secured support through secrecy. The revolution was a forty-year-long process, and the Abbasids' rise to power was marked by the massacre of Umayyad princes and the establishment of the Abbasid Dynasty. A notable exception was Abd al-Rahman, who escaped to Al-Andalus and established an independent emirate, creating a refuge for Umayyad supporters. As-Saffah's reign saw the consolidation of power and a significant victory against the Tang Empire at the Battle of the Talas River. His death in 754CE led to his brother Al-Mansur taking over, who is considered the true founder of the Abbasid Dynasty due to his significant contributions to the empire.

05:09

🏙️ The Foundation of Baghdad and the Dawn of the Islamic Golden Age

Al-Mansur commissioned the construction of Baghdad on July 30, 762CE, choosing a site north of the former Persian capital, Ctesiphon. The city, completed in four years, was centered around a round city known as The City of Peace, which contained the Golden Gate Palace for the Caliph. Baghdad grew to become the world's largest city, a hub of learning and culture with over a million inhabitants at its zenith. The Abbasids, while Arab, shifted the empire towards a more Persian influence, replacing Arab bureaucracy with Persian systems and establishing the position of Vizier. Power was decentralized to local Emirs. Al-Mansur's son, Al-Mahdi, continued to develop Baghdad into a cosmopolitan city attracting immigrants and their diverse cultures, religions, and ideas. Among the most significant introductions was paper, which had been invented by the Chinese and was brought to Baghdad after the Battle of the Talas River. The city's intellectual environment, combined with the influx of ideas and the establishment of a dedicated paper industry, set the stage for the Islamic Golden Age, a period of remarkable cultural, scientific, and intellectual development.

Keywords

💡Marwan II

Marwan II was the last Umayyad caliph who ascended to the throne in 744CE. His reign marked the end of the Umayyad dynasty, which was overthrown due to corruption and replaced by the Abbasids. In the script, Marwan II's defeat at the Battle of the Zab by the Abbasids is a pivotal event that symbolizes the transition of power.

💡Umayyad Dynasty

The Umayyad Dynasty was an Arab Muslim caliphate that ruled from 661 to 750CE. Known for its corruption and primarily Arab bureaucracy, it was overthrown by the Abbasids. The script describes the Umayyads' fall from power and their eventual demise after the Abbasid revolution.

💡Abu Muslim

Abu Muslim was a key figure in the Abbasid revolution, who took control of Merv and led the revolt against the Umayyads. His name, which translates to 'Father of a Muslim,' was used as a pseudonym, reflecting the secretive nature of the Abbasid uprising. The script highlights his role in securing Khorasan and Persia for the Abbasids.

💡Abbasids

The Abbasids were the second major Islamic caliphate that overthrew the Umayyads in 750CE. They were known for their black standard in opposition to the Umayyads' white flag and for recruiting soldiers of all ethnicities. The script details their rise to power and the establishment of the Abbasid Dynasty.

💡Battle of the Zab

The Battle of the Zab was a decisive military engagement between the armies of Marwan II and the Abbasids on January 25, 750CE. The Abbasids' victory at this battle marked the end of the Umayyad Dynasty and the beginning of Abbasid rule. The script emphasizes this battle as the 'final nail in the Umayyad coffin.'

💡Abul Abbas as-Saffah

Abul Abbas as-Saffah was the great-great grandson of Muhammad’s Uncle, al-Abbas, and the first Abbasid caliph. He was declared caliph in Kufa after the Abbasids' victories in Khorasan and Persia. His title 'The Blood-shedder' and his role in the Abbasid revolution are mentioned in the script.

💡Al-Mansur

Al-Mansur was the brother of As-Saffah and the second Abbasid caliph. He is considered the real founder of the Abbasid Dynasty due to his significant contributions to the empire. The script describes his actions, such as the killing of Abu Muslim and the failed attempt to take back Al-Andalus.

💡Al-Andalus

Al-Andalus, also known as Hispania, was the region of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule. It is significant in the script as the place where Abd al-Rahman, a surviving Umayyad prince, established an independent emirate after escaping the Abbasid massacre.

💡Islamic Golden Age

The Islamic Golden Age refers to a period of cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the history of the Islamic world. The script mentions the birth of this era as a result of the intellectual revolution in Baghdad, which was fueled by the influx of immigrants, ideas, and the introduction of paper.

💡Baghdad

Baghdad was the capital founded by Al-Mansur in 762CE and became the center of the Abbasid Caliphate. The script describes its construction, its core 'The City of Peace,' and its transformation into the biggest city in the world, a hub of learning and culture.

💡Battle of the Talas River

The Battle of the Talas River was fought in 751CE between the Abbasids and the Tang Empire of China. The Abbasids' victory in this battle allowed them to take control of almost all of Central Asia. The script also mentions the introduction of paper to the Islamic world following this encounter.

Highlights

In 744CE, Marwan II became the last Umayyad caliph.

Abu Muslim initiated a revolt against the Umayyads in 746CE by taking control of Merv.

By 747CE, Abu Muslim secured Khorasan and Persia, marking the rise of the Abbasids.

The Abbasids used a black flag in contrast to the Umayyads' white flag.

In 749CE, the Abbasids declared Abul Abbas as-Saffah as caliph in Kufa.

Marwan II's army was defeated by the Abbasids at the Battle of the Zab in 750CE.

The Umayyad dynasty ended with Marwan II's death and Damascus' fall to the Abbasids.

The Abbasids painted themselves as the opposite of the Umayyads, recruiting diverse soldiers.

Abu Muslim's identity remains a mystery, with his name meaning 'Father of a Muslim'.

As-Saffah established the Abbasid Dynasty, which lasted until the time of Columbus.

Umayyad princes were massacred, with Abd al-Rahman escaping to Al-Andalus.

Abd al-Rahman established an independent emirate in Al-Andalus with support from Syrians and Berbers.

Al-Mansur, As-Saffah's brother, is considered the real founder of the Abbasid Dynasty.

Al-Mansur had Abu Muslim killed after he helped overthrow the Umayyads.

Abd al-Rahman defeated the Abbasid army sent by Al-Mansur in a surprise attack.

Al-Mansur founded Baghdad in 762CE, which became the center of learning and culture.

The Abbasid Empire shifted from an Arab to a more Persian influence.

The introduction of paper from China to Baghdad played a crucial role in the Islamic Golden Age.

Transcripts

In the year 744CE, Marwan II ascended to the throne of the caliphate.

Little did he know that he would be the last Umayyad to do so.

After ninety years of corruption, the throne was being pulled from under the Umayyad dynasty,

once and for all.

By 746CE, A man named Abu Muslim had taken control of Merv from the Umayyad governor

and was now in full revolt.

By 747CE, he had secured Khorasan and Persia.

The Abbasids and their black standard were now moving towards Mesopotamia.

They used a black flag in opposition to the Umayyads’ white flag.

In 749CE, the Abbasid army crossed Euphrates and entered Kufa.

By this point, the Abbasids were confident of their victory.

So much so that Abul Abbas as-Saffah, the great-great grandson of Muhammad’s Uncle, al-Abbas,

was declared caliph in Kufa.

Marwan II tried to mobilize an army to defeat the Abbasids.

The armies met at the Battle of the Zab on 25th of January, 750CE.

Marwan’s army was defeated by Abbasids.

This was the final nail in the Umayyad coffin.

The revolution was more or less over. Marwan escaped to Egypt but was caught and killed.

By April of that year, Damascus was secured by the Abbasids.

The Umayyads were no more.

Well, at least for now. #Foreshadowing.

During the revolution, the Abbasids painted themselves as the exact opposite of the Umayyads.

Where the Umayyad bureaucracy was made up mostly of Arabs,

the Abbasids recruited soldiers of all ethnicities and ranked them by merit.

Abu Muslim went up and down the Silk Road to find soldiers who would join them.

He did all of this in secrecy before his attack on Merv.

The revolution grew for more than forty years inside the Umayyad Caliphate,

like Hydra inside of SHIELD.

Even Abu Muslim’s name wasn’t real.

We still don’t know what his name was.

Or even if it was one man or many.

Abu Muslim just means “Father of a Muslim”.

He advocated for a member of Muhammad’s family to take the throne.

The name of that member wasn’t revealed until the Umayyads were overthrown.

That’s how secretive they were.

Anyways, As-Saffah, whose name literally means “The Blood-shedder”

took the title of the Caliph and established the Abbasid Dynasty,

which would hold the title of Caliph till after the Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

Umayyad princes were massacred in large numbers.

They were chased and killed wherever they were found.

The graves of Umayyad rulers were desecrated except for Umar II.

The Abbasids even promised amnesty for Umayyad princes,

gathered some eighty of them and massacred them.

One prince, however, the great-grandson of Abd al-Malik named Abd al-Rahman

escaped through Egypt and Africa.

He was around twenty year of age at the time.

He made his way to Al-Andalus or Hispania.

After the muslim conquest of Spain, the Muslim population there was mostly Syrians and Berbers.

Syrians, as you might remember, loved the Umayyads

and Abd al-Rahman’s mother was Berber so he was able to secure

enough support there to overthrow the governor there and establish an independent emirate.

He created a safe haven for the supporters of the Umayyads

and his own family, including his sisters, wife and children, whom he had left in Mesopotamia.

On the other side, As-Saffah spent the next four years consolidating his control over the empire.

In 751CE, the Abbasids met their Chinese neighbours in the Battle of the Talas River.

The Tang Empire had been a powerful rival to the Umayyads in Central Asia.

In As-Saffah’s attempt to consolidate his rule in Khorasan,

his armies met the Chinese Army.

The battle resulted in a victory for the Abbasids

who moved to take almost all of Central Asia.

As-Saffah died of Smallpox in 754CE, leaving the empire to his brother, Al-Mansur.

Al-Mansur is often regarded as the real founder of the Abbasid Dynasty

because of all the contributions he made to the empire.

First thing he did as caliph was have Abu Muslim killed

because that’s what you get for helping douchebags overthrow an empire.

Abu Muslim had solid support throughout the empire due to his role in the rebellion.

Al-Mansur took him out for a walk and had some of his guards kill him.

After dispatching Abu Muslim, he dispatched an army to take back Al-Andalus.

The Abbasid army surrounded Abd al-Rahman in a fortress in Carmona, in modern-day Spain.

Abd al-Rahman knew that there was no way out so he handpicked some 700 of his men

and lit up a fire and ordered his men to throw their scabbards into the fire.

He told his men that he would rather die fighting than die of hunger

so, he open the gates and attacked the unsuspecting Abbasid army.

The Abbasid army was taken by surprise and Abd al-Rahman actually managed to defeat them.

He cut off the heads of all the leaders of the army, preserved them in salt and sent them to al-Mansur,

who was on a pilgrimage to Mecca at the time when he received those heads.

There were even tags attached to the ears of each head to identify it.

HOW GAME OF THRONES IS THAT?!

On 30th of July, 762CE, Al-Mansur commissioned the construction of a new city.

He chose a site north of Ctesiphon,

which had been the Persian capital before the Muslim overthrew the Sassanid Empire.

It took around four years to finish the construction. Baghdad was founded.

At the core of Baghdad was a round city called The City of Peace

which housed the Golden Gate Palace,

which housed the Caliph.

Eventually, this city would become the biggest city in the world,

the center of learning and culture with more than a million inhabitants at its peak.

The empire was starting to shift from an Arab empire to a more Persian one.

The Abbasids were Arabs but it was the Persians who had helped bring them to power

so they made sure not to alienate them.

Arab bureaucracy was replaced by a Persian one.

A new position of Vizier was established

and more power was delegated to local Emirs and away from the caliph.

Al-Mansur died in 775CE, his son Al-Mahdi took over the empire.

During his reign, Baghdad became a metropolitan city.

It attracted immigrants from all over the world.

These immigrants brought with them, their cultures, religions and ideas.

One of the most important ideas was Paper.

See, Chinese actually invented paper

but it wasn’t used anywhere else till the Muslims met the Chinese in the battle of the Talas river.

Muslims conquered some previously Chinese areas

and took paper from them.

Eventually, paper became so important that Baghdad had a whole street dedicated to nothing but paper.

All these factors combined made the perfect breeding ground for an intellectual revolution.

This was the birth of the Islamic Golden Age.

See you next time.