Mauao Man

Before Islam:

A History of the Middle East (0 AD to 610 AD)

Introduction: A World in Transition

The Middle East has always been a land of ancient civilizations, mighty empires, and great religious movements. But the 600 years leading up to the rise of Islam in 610 AD were a time of extraordinary change. This was an era of empires rising and falling, new religions spreading, and cultural exchanges that would shape the world.

From the dominance of the Roman and Sassanian Empires to the spread of Christianity and the trade routes of Arabia, this period laid the foundation for the emergence of Islam. But while some of this history is well-documented, other parts — especially the story of Mecca and the Quraysh tribe — rely heavily on Islamic tradition, not independent historical evidence.

This post explores the history of the Middle East from 0 AD to 610 AD, making it clear what is known from historical records and what is claimed by Islamic sources.

1. The Roman Empire: Dominance in the West (0–395 AD)

1. The Roman Province of Arabia Petraea (106 AD)

In 106 AD, the Roman Empire annexed the Nabataean Kingdom (modern-day Jordan), creating the province of Arabia Petraea.
The capital of this province was Petra, an ancient city carved into the red sandstone cliffs.
The Nabataeans, originally an Arab trading tribe, became Roman subjects, and their capital became a center of trade, connecting the Mediterranean world with Arabia.
Roman rule brought roads, forts, and trade networks, but the Nabataeans maintained their distinctive cultural identity.

2. The Roman Levant: Syria and Judea

The Roman province of Syria (modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and parts of Turkey) was a wealthy and culturally diverse region.
Antioch, the capital of Syria, became a major center of trade, culture, and early Christianity.
Judea (modern-day Israel and Palestine) was a troubled region, marked by tension between the Roman authorities and the local Jewish population.
In 66-70 AD, the Jewish Revolt led to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a catastrophe that reshaped Jewish history.
A second revolt in 132-135 AD (the Bar Kokhba Revolt) led to even greater destruction, and the Romans renamed the province "Syria Palaestina."

2. The Sassanian Empire: Persia's Return to Power (224–651 AD)

1. The Rise of the Sassanian Dynasty (224 AD)

In 224 AD, the Sassanian Dynasty overthrew the Parthian Empire, restoring Persian dominance in the Middle East.
The Sassanian Empire stretched from the Euphrates River to India, becoming a powerful rival to Rome.
Its capital, Ctesiphon, located near modern Baghdad, became one of the greatest cities of the ancient world.
The Sassanian rulers adopted Zoroastrianism as the state religion, promoting the teachings of Zarathustra (Zoroaster) and building grand fire temples.

2. Conflict with Rome: A Century of War

The Sassanians fought a series of brutal wars with the Roman Empire, struggling for control of Mesopotamia, Armenia, and the Levant.
Notable conflicts include:
- The Capture of Emperor Valerian (260 AD): Roman Emperor Valerian was captured by the Sassanian King Shapur I, a humiliation for Rome.
- The War of Anastasius (502–506 AD): A brutal conflict between the Sassanians and the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
- The Roman-Persian Wars (540–628 AD): A devastating series of wars that left both empires weakened.

3. A Multicultural Empire:

Although Zoroastrianism was the state religion, the Sassanian Empire was home to a diverse population, including:
- Christians: Particularly in Mesopotamia.
- Jews: Centered in Babylon, which was a major center of Jewish scholarship.
- Pagans: In northern Mesopotamia and eastern Persia.
- Manichaeans: Followers of the prophet Mani, whose teachings blended Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism.

3. Christianity Spreads Across the Middle East (33–610 AD)

1. The Birth of Christianity in Judea (33 AD)

Christianity began as a small Jewish sect in Judea, centered around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
His followers believed him to be the Messiah (Christ), and after his crucifixion and reported resurrection, they began spreading his teachings.
The Apostle Paul of Tarsus played a key role in spreading Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

2. The Spread of Christianity:

Major Christian centers included:
- Antioch: A center of Christian theology and missionary activity.
- Alexandria (Egypt): Home to the influential Alexandrian School of theology.
- Jerusalem: The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a major pilgrimage destination.
The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) defined Christian doctrine and established the Nicene Creed.
Christianity spread eastward, reaching Persia, India, and even China (the Church of the East).

4. The Arabian Peninsula: A Land of Tribes and Tradition

1. A Tribal Society:

The Arabian Peninsula was home to numerous tribes, including the Quraysh (in Mecca, according to Islamic tradition), Banu Thaqif (in Ta'if), and Banu Ghassan (in Syria).
These tribes were often in conflict, but they also maintained a strong sense of tribal loyalty.

2. The Mecca Controversy: A City of Trade or a Myth?

According to Islamic tradition, Mecca was a major trading center controlled by the Quraysh.
But historical evidence does not support this view:
- No ancient records mention Mecca as a major trading hub.
- Major trade routes ran north (through Petra, Palmyra) or south (through Yemen).
- Archaeological evidence for pre-Islamic Mecca is minimal.

3. The Religious Landscape:

Arabia was a land of polytheism, with tribes worshipping their own gods.
The Kaaba in Mecca (according to Islamic tradition) was a local pilgrimage site, housing idols of many gods.
Monotheists also lived in Arabia, including:
- Jews: Especially in Yathrib (Medina) and Khaybar.
- Christians: In Najran and among the Ghassanid Arabs.
- Hanifs: Arabian monotheists who rejected idolatry.

Conclusion: A Region on the Edge of Change

The Middle East in 610 AD was a region of diversity, conflict, and cultural exchange. It was a world of great empires (Rome and Persia), rising religions (Christianity and Zoroastrianism), and ancient tribal cultures (Arabia).

But while much of this history is well-documented, the story of Mecca remains shrouded in mystery. Is it a forgotten trade city, or a later Islamic myth?

In 610 AD, a new faith would arise — and it would claim to be the final revelation to humanity.

A History of Islam in Oceania: From Early Encounters to Modern Communities (Part 1)
A History of Islam in Oceania: From Island Converts to Hidden Communities (Part 2)
Islam in Australia: From Early Arrivals to a Major Minority
History of Islam in New Zealand: From the First Arrivals to Today
Islam and New Zealand’s Indigenous and Pacific Communities: Two Very Different Stories
The Mecca Controversy: Was It Really a Major Trading Hub?
Islam: What It Really Teaches — And What It Means for New Zealand
A Basic History of Islam: From the 7th Century to Today

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.