Final answer:
The Battle of Yarmuk was a major event in 636 CE where Arab-Muslim forces decisively defeated the Byzantine Empire, leading to Islamic control over Greater Syria. Much of the Islamic expansion, however, was also achieved through peace agreements with conquered regions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Yarmuk
The Battle of Yarmuk is a significant event in early Islamic history that took place in the year 636 CE. It was a major confrontation between the Arab-Muslim armies and the Byzantine Empire. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Arab-Muslim forces, which led to the Byzantine Empire's withdrawal from Syria and opened up the region for Islamic expansion. This military engagement is notable for its strategic implications, as it marked the withdrawal of Byzantine power from Greater Syria, comprising modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. After this victory, the Arab-Muslim conquests continued northward into other territories.
Although the expansion of Islamic control is often associated with military conquests like Yarmuk, it's also important to note that many territories came under Islamic rule through peace agreements. The conquered populations were allowed to retain their property and freely practice their religions, so long as they paid taxes to the Muslim government. These terms often made surrender a more attractive option for cities and regions.