The only thing that separated Islam from the West area was the Byzantine Empire. This empire was able to survive the main Muslim attacks.The The Muslims were able to conquer the southern areas of the Byzantine Empire, such as, Syria, the Jordan and Egypt. However, the Byzantines did not allow Islam to take control of the ocean (Pirenne, 184). The Byzantines were able to defeat an attack on the city of Constantinople (Corrick, 75).


The wealth of Syria and the Islamic spread were the reasons the Muslims decided to wager war upon Syria. However, they were originally going to declare war upon the area, it was but a way of defense against the people there. Though eventually, it turned into a holy war against Syria.


Jerusalem is actually one of the most holy sites for Islam. It was conquered in 634 by the Muslims. they ruled for four hundred fifty years, and possibly had a greater effect upon the city than did Christianity.


It was in 640 AD that Egypt was conquered by Amr bin Al-As. He also put the Fortress of Babylon under siege , then the Byzantine surrendered in 641. Amr bin Al-As went to Alexandria and they also gave in, or surrendered, to the Muslims.


The only thing that separated Islam from the West area was the Byzantine Empire. This empire was able to survive the main Muslim attacks.The The Muslims were able to conquer the southern areas of the Byzantine Empire, such as, Syria, the Jordan and Egypt. However, the Byzantines did not allow Islam to take control of the ocean (Pirenne, 184). The Byzantines were able to defeat an attack on the city of Constantinople (Corrick, 75).

Corrick, A. James. World History Series: The Early Middle Ages. Lucent Books Inc.: San Diego, 1995.

Pirenne, Henri. Mohammed and Charlemagne. Barns and Noble Inc., 1992.