The Armies of the Caliphs: Military and Society in the Early Islamic State

by Hugh Kennedy

Overview

The Armies of the Caliphs is the first major study of the relationship between army and society in the early Islamic period, and reveals the pivotal role of the military in politics.

Through a thorough examination of recruitment, payment, weaponry and fortifications in the armies, The Armies of the Caliphs offers the most comprehensive view to date of how the early Muslim Empire grew to control so many people. Using Arabic chronicles, surviving documents, and archaeological evidence, this book analyzes the military and the face of battle, and offers a timely reassessment of the early Islamic State.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415250924
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/26/2001
Series:	Warfare and History
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1620L (what's this?)

Table of Contents

Part 1 The conquests and after : Muslimarmies, 11–64/632–83; Part 2 The Armies of the Marwanid Period, 64-132/683-750: Recruitment, Leadership and Tactics; Part 3 The Payment of the Military in the Early Islamic State; Part 4 Early ‘Abbasid Warfare, 132–218/750–833; Part 5 The Armies O F Samarra, 218–56/833–70; Part 6 The Last Armies of The Caliphs, 256–324/870–936; Part 7 Weapons and Equipment I N Early Muslim Armies; Part 8 Fortification and Siege Warfare; Part 9 Postscript;

Editorial Reviews

This is an extremely rich and original book. It forces a reassessment of the early Islamic conquests from standpoints that have hitherto been totally ignored or undervalued.

Carole Hillenbrand

'This book should long be the standard work on the subject for students, specialists and general readers.' - Gerald Hawting, Times Literary Supplement

'... a lucid exploration of the role of the military in early Islamic society... This is a very important book based on a careful and original reading of the sources. It constitutes a major addition to our understanding of early Islamic society.' - John France, History, July 2003

From the Publisher