Head On History

In this episode we talk about the end of the Umayyads with the Abbasid revolt, focusing not only on the major battles, but why the Abbasids were successful in overthrowing the Umayyad Caliphate. We discuss how the caliphate changes over time and how the historical circumstances of the Abbasids, geography, and technology shape the new government. We explore the Persian contributions to Islam and how the religion and the caliphate are both shaped by the Sassanian predecessors. Finally we dissect the so-called "golden age" with a discussion about the intellectual development of the Islamic world under the Abbasid regime.

This episode covers the schism betweeen Sunnism and Shi'ism, detailing how historical circumstances and experiences are overlaid with theological significance. Focusing on the experience of the Muslim community during the early fitnas we discuss how political movements about legitimacy and authority shape what later becomes theological stances. This episode details tribulations after the death of Caliph 'Ali and the tragedy at the Battle of Karbala. We also talk about the revolt in Mecca by Ibn al Zubayr and rise of the Umayyad dynasty. We conclude with the nature of Umayyad society; its social hierarchy, the connection to the Byzantine world, and a brief history of the hijab.

Picking up from the death Umar, this podcast explores the evolution of the divisive caliphate of Uthman and the rise of a more dynastic imperial structure. We discuss beginnings of sectarianism in Islam and how it is shaped by geo-political divisions that continue to haunt the nascent Muslim empire. The narrative flows into the assassination of Uthman and the repercussions of his death for the unity of the community. We conclude with the caliphate of 'Ali and the growing civil war threatening to tear the ummah apart.

With the death of Muhammad the nascent religious community faces its first major upheaval. In this podcast we explore how the community of believers fractured and how the question of leadership was dealt with. We take an in depth look at the Ridda Wars or the Wars of Apostasy and the caliphate of Abu Bakr and 'Umar with special attention paid to their legacy and how they shaped the caliphate. We put the events the first caliphs into historical context and explore the crisis of early Islam up to the Muslim conquests.

Unlike other religious figures of the ancient world, Muhammad is born in the full light of history. While there is little doubt he existed, what is known about his life is shrouded by time. This episode we focus on the birth, life, and death of Muhammad the Prophet of Islam and how his historical circumstances shaped his message and his mission. We take a closer look at the community of believers he forges together as a new alliance rejecting the old world order and the impact this has on Arabia.

Unlike other religious figures of the ancient world, Muhammad is born in the full light of history. While there is little doubt he existed, what is known about his life is shrouded by time. This episode we focus on the birth, life, and death of Muhammad the Prophet of Islam and how his historical circumstances shaped his message and his mission. We take a closer look at the community of believers he forges together as a new alliance rejecting the old world order and the impact this has on Arabia.

To understand the rise of Islam, you have to first understand its historical context. In the first official episode of Head On History, Ali talks about the international wars on the eve of Islam known as the Red Sea wars and their connection to a broader imperial struggle between Sassanid Persia and Christian Byzantium. The podcast includes a discussion of the social and religious environment of pre-Islamic Arabia with special attention paid to the diversity of religious practices, the role of women, and social stratification. From the conflict between Jews and Christians to the practices of the Sabaeans and Hanifs, this episode sets the stage for the arrival of Muhammad and his mission.

To understand the rise of Islam, you have to first understand its historical context. In the first official episode of Head On History, Ali talks about the international wars on the eve of Islam known as the Red Sea wars and their connection to a broader imperial struggle between Sassanid Persia and Christian Byzantium. The podcast includes a discussion of the social and religious environment of pre-Islamic Arabia with special attention paid to the diversity of religious practices, the role of women, and social stratification. From the conflict between Jews and Christians to the practices of the Sabaeans and Hanifs, this episode sets the stage for the arrival of Muhammad and his mission.

Welcome to a new podcast presented by Currently Nerdy and hosted by Ali A. Olomi. Head On History will consist of multiple seasons with ten episodes each covering a wide range of historical topics. As your host, I bring my background as a professional historian to the podcast to provide an exciting new show for all the history nerds out there. Whether you are interested in learning more about the past, how we got to where we are today, or are curious, the podcast has something for everyone.

Welcome to a new podcast presented by Currently Nerdy and hosted by Ali A. Olomi. Head On History will consist of multiple seasons with ten episodes each covering a wide range of historical topics. As your host, I bring my background as a professional historian to the podcast to provide an exciting new show for all the history nerds out there. Whether you are interested in learning more about the past, how we got to where we are today, or are curious, the podcast has something for everyone.