The study of early Islamic historical tradition has flourished with the emergence of an innovative scholarship no longer dependent on more traditional narratival approaches. Chase Robinson's book, first published in 2000, takes full account of the research available and interweaves history and historiography to interpret the political, social and economic transformations in the Mesopotamian region after the Islamic conquests. Using Arabic and Syriac sources to elaborate his argument, the author focuses on the Muslim and Christian élites, demonstrating that the immediate effects of the conquests were in fact modest ones. Significant social change took place only at the end of the seventh century with the imposition of Marwanid rule. Even then, the author argues, social power was diffused in the hands of local élites. This is a sophisticated study in a burgeoning field in Islamic studies.

Conquests are men's business, yet in the Conquest of Mexico there is a woman at its center. Five centuries after the Spaniards' arrival to Mexico, most of its people still believe the Spanish conquistadors conquered the Aztec Empire. British Boudicca and French Joan of Arc fought against foreign invaders; but in Mexico, a Native woman―Malintzin, fought on the side of the foreign conquerors. This anomalous phenomenon has been grossly overlooked by historians, who have allowed Hernán Cortés to steal the show while omitting the credits to Malintzin who directed it. In his first book, Zukame explores one of the greatest omissions in the study of this historical event―the immense contribution of Mesoamerican women in the overthrow of the Aztec Empire and subsequent imposition of Spanish rule. In this book, the author relies on scientific studies as well as on his personal observations of the living conditions in Mexico today. More than just a history book, Feminine Conquest, offers the reader a distinct manner of observing not just historical events but the very nature of reality.

First Published in 1998. The aim of this book is to examine the origins and conduct of colonial warfare in Africa in the late nineteenth century, as far as possible from the perspectives both of the European invaders and the African resisters, and in the process to demonstrate the impact, both immediate and long-term, of these wars upon the societies, political structures and military theory and practice of both victors and vanquished. Vandervort has written this book with the student and general reader in mind; scholarly apparatus has been kept to a minimum. The book which follows takes as its point of departure the belief that we have now reached a point in our understanding of the military history of the partition of Africa where it is possible to begin to draw some meaningful general conclusions.

This captivating book introduces readers to Islamic history through vivid images and intriguing facts. The text works in conjunction with the fascinating photos and illustrations to teach readers about important aspects of the history of Islam, including Muhammad, the Arabian Peninsula, Mecca, the Qur'an, the Five Pillars of Worship, Sunnis, Shi'as, Muslims, and Bedouins. Students will develop their vocabulary and social studies content knowledge, while getting a look into the history of Islamic culture, life, and politics. This book also includes text features such as a table of contents, glossary, and index, as well as an in-class activity to further students' understanding of Islam and the Five Pillars of Worship.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1869.

This book offers a fresh insight into the conquests of Alexander the Great by attempting to view the events of 336-323 BCE from the vantage point of the defeated. The extent and form of the resistance of the populations he confronted varied according to their previous relationships with either the Macedonian invaders or their own Achaemenid rulers. The internal political situations of many states--particularly the Greek cities of Asia Minor--were also a factor. In the vast Persian Empire that stretched from the Aegean to the Indus, some states surrendered voluntarily and others offered fierce resistance. Not all regions were subdued through military actions. Indeed, as the author argues, the excessive use of force on Alexander's part was often ineffective and counterproductive. In the Path of Conquest examines the reasons for these varied responses, giving more emphasis to the defeated and less to the conqueror and his Macedonian army. In the process, it debunks many long-held views concerning Alexander's motives, including the idea that his aim was to march to the eastern limits of the world. It also provides a fresh reevaluation of Darius III's successes and failures as a commander. Such a study involves rigorous analysis of the ancient sources, and their testimony is presented throughout the book in the form of newly translated passages. A unique portrait of a well-known age, In the Path of Conquest will significantly alter our understanding of Alexander's career.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

This book narrates the battles, conquests and diplomatic activities of the early Muslim fighters in Syria and Iraq vis-à-vis their Byzantine and Sasansian counterparts. It is the first English translation of one of the earliest Arabic sources on the early Muslim expansion entitled Futūḥ al-Shām (The Conquests of Syria). The translation is based on the Arabic original composed by a Muslim author, Muḥammad al-Azdī, who died in the late 8th or early 9th century C.E. A scientific introduction to al-Azdīʼs work is also included, covering the life of the author, the textual tradition of the work as well as a short summary of the textʼs train of thought. The source narrates the major historical events during the early Muslim conquests in a region that covers today’s Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Iraq in the 7th century C.E. Among these events are the major battles against the Byzantines, such as the Battles of Ajnādayn and al-Yarmūk, the conquests of important cities, including Damascus, Jerusalem and Caesarea, and the diplomatic initiatives between the Byzantines and the early Muslims. The narrative abounds with history and Islamic theological content. As the first translation into a European language, this volume will be of interest to a wide range of readership, including (Muslim and Christian) theologians, historians, Islamicists, Byzantinists, Syrologists and (Arabic) linguists.