Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Central and western Arabia develop into a patchwork of independent city-states, sustained either by
the frankincense trade or by farming, while the Gulf is subsumed into the Sassanian empire from
Persia.
570
The Ma'rib dam, upon which the livelihoods of 50,000 people depend, bursts its banks, scattering the
people of Adz in the Peninsula's most significant migration. Prophet Mohammed is born.
610
Mohammed receives his first revelation. Considered by Muslims as the word of God, the Quran sub-
sequently lays the foundations of a new, monotheistic religion that condemns the worship of idols.
622-632
Mohammed and his followers flee Mecca for Medina in 622, marking the beginning of the first Islam-
ic state. The new religion spreads across the Peninsula, despite Mohammed's death in 632.
632-850
The Muslim capital moves to Damascus, heading an empire from Spain to India. Mecca and Medina
lose their earlier political importance but grow as the spiritual homes of Islam.
850-1300
Arabia's old trade routes collapse and the Peninsula declines in wealth and importance. Petty sheikh-
doms bicker over limited resources, under the control of Tartar moguls, Persians and Ottoman Turks
1498
In a generous but ominous gesture, a celebrated sailor from Oman, Ahmed bin Majid, helps Vasco da
Gama navigate the Cape of Good Hope, leading a decade later to occupation.
1507
Portugal annexes the Yemeni island of Suqutra (Socotra). It uses this vantage point to complete an
occupation of Oman and goes on to colonise Bahrain.
1902
In 1902 Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman al-Saud, known as Ibn Saud, begins a series of conquests
which eventually leads to the formation of the state of Saudi Arabia.
1912
