The Makings of a Medieval World- 2The Rise of Christianity and Islam—and the Restricted World of Judaism

Mosque at Cordoba, Spain 786 CELibraries of mosques protected the great books of ancient civilizations during the Christian Dark Ages

So, what do you think??

Islamic Artstarts its influence in 632 CE

• Mohammed (570-632 CE), a prophet from Mecca (Saudi Arabia), preaches a new monotheistic religion

• One God (the same one as in Judaism and Christianity) and many wise men --- but no son of God

• The religion of Islam is formed; Muslims = “to surrender, obey”

• Mohammed interprets the Old Testament commandments literally, so no graven images are allowed

• Death of Mohammed in 632 CE (rising up to the heavens from a rock in Jerusalem) brings on rush of conquering in the name of Islam

• Spain is conquered and turned into a center of learning---knowledge and learning highly prized

Dome of the Rock691 CE, Jerusalem •Where Mohammed rose

to the heavens on a horse

•Also where Abraham is said to have placed son Isaac for sacrifice---Old Testament

Synagogues in the Medieval World

• Both Constantine and Justinian restrict rights to Jews---no intermarrying, no lawsuits against Christians, no holding of public offices

• In 439 CE, building of synagogues is forbidden in the Roman Empire

• In the Islamic world, Jews were “protected people” , but also could not build new synagogues

The “Old-New” Synagogue in Prague, 1270 CE—the oldest European synagogue still being used

In 2009, a synagogue is uncovered in Israel near the Sea of Galilee. Dates from 0-100 CE, the oldest ever found. Located near the birthplace of Mary Magdalene

Model of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Islamic Dome of the Rock is constructed on its site in 687 CE. Many centuries would pass before the Jews were allowed to build synagogues in Europe.