Question

What allowed the caliphate to expand rapidly between 637 and 661?

Answer 1

The expansion of the caliphate between 637 and 661 was facilitated by weakened states, military campaigns, and the expertise of the Bedouins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expansion of the caliphate between 637 and 661 was facilitated by several factors:

1. The weakened states of the Byzantine Empire and the Persian Empire, which had been engaged in constant warfare, allowed for the Arab forces to take advantage of their weakened defenses.
2. Under the second caliph, Umar, the military campaigns were extended, resulting in the occupation of territories including Syria, Anatolia, Egypt, and all of the Persian Empire. Umar also implemented an administrative structure to govern the expanding state.
3. The Arab-Muslim forces had a highly mobile fighting force and were able to benefit from the expertise of the Bedouins in terms of mobility and siege warfare.