Question

The following map shows the spread of Islam from 632 A.D. (CE) through 1000 A.D. (CE). Use the map to answer the following question:

What does the map reveal about the early expansion of Islam? Islam had spread to more than one continent by 632 A.D.(CE).
Expansion efforts originated in the city of Medina.
Constantinople was one of the first areas conquered by Islamic armies.
Europe was one of the first areas conquered by Islamic forces.

Answer 1

Expansion efforts originated in the city of Medina. This is true because it is the area on the map that is shaded the darkest, indication that it was conquered by A.D 637

Answer 2

The correct answer is: "Expansion efforts originated in the city of Medina".

Medina was the center of the Islamic World during the period of time represented by this map. From this starting point, Muslims expanded towards the East and conquered Middle East territories, and to the West, were they dominated territories in the North of Africa, and even the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe (Al-Andalus).

• According to the information in the map the first option is wrong. In 632 AD, the territory controlled comprised the city of Medina and a few other surrounding territories in the Arabian peninsula.
• The third is also false as Constantinople was never Islamic in the period of time examined.
• Also the last option is false , as the only territory that they managed to dominate was Al-Andalus, in the Iberian Peninsula (the current territory of Spain and Portugal).