Posts

Battle of Qadisiyyah - The Vital Muslim-Persian Encounter

-
The Battle of Qadisiyyah (or al-Qadisiyyah) was the most significant engagement during the Muslim conquest of Persia. Victory in this battle paved the way for Muslims to conquer Ctesiphon, the capital of the Sassanid Empire. The Persians lost their army chief ( spahbed ), Rostam Farrukhzad, and several other high-ranking military commanders during this battle which dented a heavy blow to their military capabilities and morale. The battle was fought in November 636 CE. Background The Rashidun army’s campaign against the Sassanid Empire was initiated soon after the suppression of the rebellion (Ridda Wars) that Muslims faced after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Legendary Muslim commander Khalid bin Walid was the architect of the initial victories against the Sassanids in Iraq. He conquered western parts of today’s Iraq after defeating Persians in several consecutive battles. His campaign ended with the battle of Firaz, where he defeated the combined forces of Persians and Ro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reasons for German Defeat in World War 2

-
Nazi Germany had one of the strongest military forces in the world at the start of World War 2. Additionally, the emotions of the German people were high for the supremacy of the German race and to take revenge for the defeat of World War 1. In just two years, Germany was in control of Europe except Britain and the Soviet Union. But the tides were turned later and the war ended with a decisive German defeat. Top Reasons for German Defeat in WW2 There were several factors behind the defeat of Germany in the situation when it seemed to emerge victorious. The important reasons behind the German defeat are listed below: Failure of Operation Barbarossa The most important reason for the German defeat in World War 2 was the failed German invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa). Before this invasion, Germany had the upper hand in the war. Almost the whole of Western Europe (except Great Britain) was either under the control of Germany or neutral. Germany tried to use this a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reasons for German Defeat in World War 1

-
World War 1 was the first major campaign of the 20 th Century and proved to be the prelude to the most destructive war, World War 2. The war was fought between coalitions of Central Powers and Allied Powers. Germany led the Central Powers, and it was one of the most powerful Empires of that time. The German Empire was eager to start that war despite efforts by other major powers to find a peaceful solution to the crisis that originated after the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s heir, Franz Ferdinand. Germany’s impatience was due to its massive land and naval power. Germany desired to increase the area and influence of its empire by annexing other countries through its military might. However after initial gains, Germany and the Central Powers started to lose the war, and the initiative was completely lost by 1917. Top Reasons for German Defeat in WW1 There are several reasons behind the defeat of Germany in World War 1 despite having a strong military. The main rea...
Post a Comment
Read more

Battle of Yarmouk - Reasons for Muslim Victory Against Byzantines

-
The battle of Yarmouk is regarded as the decisive battle for the Muslim conquest of Syria. The victory of the Arab army in Yarmouk (located in today’s Jordan) was a major blow to the Byzantine Empire as it ensured the eradication of Byzantine rule in the entire Levant region. The battle was fought in 636 AD between the invading forces of the Islamic Caliphate against the Byzantine Army, aided by their Arabian mercenaries. Byzantines outnumbered Muslim forces by a large number (around 150,000 as compared to 15,000 Muslims). Preparations for Byzantine forces were complete as they were well aware of the consequences of their defeat. On the other hand, Muslims also gathered their scattered armies for this important battle. Importance of the Battle of Yarmouk The reasons for such great preparations by both forces were due to the extreme significance of the Battle of Yarmouk. The importance of this battle was due to the following reasons: Before this battle, the Muslims had already con...
Post a Comment
Read more

Battle of Siffin - The Deadliest Battle of the First Fitna

-
Battle of Siffin was the main battle of the First Fitna (First Muslim Civil War). It was fought in 657 between the fourth Rashidun Caliph Ali bin Abi Talib and Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan, the governor of Syria. The battle remained inconclusive and resulted in the demise of thousands of soldiers from both sides. This battle and its impact played an important role in diminishing Ali’s authority as caliph. Background The first Rashidun caliph, Abu Bakr, managed to crush the rebellion in the Arabian Peninsula and initiated campaigns against the Persian and Byzantine empires after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His successor Umar continued his campaigns, resulting in the extermination of the Sassanid Empire and the conquest of the Middle Eastern parts of the Byzantine Empire. The 3 rd Caliph Usman continued the same policy during his initial six years of caliphate. But then a revolt emerged in Iraq and Egypt against Usman, resulting in his martyrdom and the appointment of Ali as t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Battle of Zallaqa - Halting Christian Advances in Muslim Spain

-
The Battle of Zallaqa, also known as the Battle of Sagrajas, was an important battle during the Reconquista. It was fought between the Berber Muslim Almoravid dynasty and various Christian Kingdoms in Spain. The battle ended with a decisive victory for Almoravids which halted the advances of Christian forces. It is known as al-Zallaqa (slippery ground) due to the large amount of bloodshed by both armies during the battle. This was the first battle of legendary Berber Muslim commander Yusuf bin Tashfin in Spain. Background In 1031, the Caliphate of Cordoba disintegrated into several small taifa kingdoms. The Caliphate controlled almost entirely the Iberian Peninsula. However, its disintegration allowed various Christian kingdoms to start a successful Reconquista. They initially captured relatively weak taifas one by one. In 1085, Alfonso VI (king of Leon and Castile) captured Toledo in central Spain and headed towards Zaragoza. This alarmed smaller Muslim taifas and they invited...
Post a Comment
Read more

Battle of Ullais - The Decisive Rashidun Battle to Capture Persian Iraq

-
The battle of Ullais was an important battle during the Muslim conquest of Persia. The battle was fought in Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq) near the Euphrates River. This is one of the bloodiest battles of the Muslim conquest of Persia. Almost the entire Persian army and its Arab-Christian supporters perished during the battle. The color of the river became red with the blood of Persian troops and their Arab allies. It is the reason that the battle is also known as “The Battle of Blood River.” Background Battle of Ullais was the last of the 4 battles that were fought in the first two months (April and May 633) of the Muslim campaign against Persia. Muslims remained victorious in all previous battles: Battle of Chains (April 633), Battle of River (April 633), and Battle of Walaja. The purpose of this initial engagement was to capture Hirah, the Persian provincial capital of Iraq. Like previous campaigns, Arab Christian tribes were assisting Sassanians in this battle. These tribes manag...
Post a Comment
Read more