As the conflict in Syria reached its climax, so too did the conflict in Iraq.  The Rashidun Caliphate and the Sassanid Empire would meet in the pivotal Battle of al-Qadisiyyah that would determine the fate of the region.

As Umar, the second Rashidun caliph, began his reign, the Islamic conquests were heating up.  At the Battle of Yarmouk, a titanic clash would occur between the Rashidun Caliphate and Byzantine Empire that would forever change the social, political, and cultural landscape of the Middle East.

During 633-634, Caliph Abu Bakr decided on a bold strategy, taking on both the Byzantine and Sassanid Empires, and he would dispatch his top general, Khalid ibn al-Walid, one more time.

In the wake of Muhammad's death, Islam would be forced to confront challenges without the leadership and guidance of its founder.  However, the Islamic community would unite and elect a new leader - one whose title (caliph) would forever go down in the history books.

The formation of the caliphate would not have been possible had it not been for one man: Muhammad.  Muhammad not only founded Islam but transformed Arabian society and laid the groundwork for unity among the Arabian tribes.

A look at ancient Arabian society and the geopolitical situation before the formation of the early caliphates.  After all, an Islamic empire had to come from somewhere.

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