Islam's 'Golden Age': Fall of the Abbasids

I hope you enjoy the second and final episode of our epic history of the Abbasid Caliphate! Thank you to our video sponsor Raid: Shadow Legends! Install Raid for Free ✅ IOS/ANDROID/PC: t2m.io/EpicHistoryTVRaid and get a special starter pack with an Epic champion⚡Drake⚡Available only for new players. Thank you to Osprey Publishing for permission to use their fantastic images - check video description for links to some great titles from their range of military history books. Thank you also to Prof Antoine Borrut, our historical consultant, and to all our Patreon supporters! www.patreon.com/EpicHistoryTV

The only bad thing about these videos is that they end.

This is so well done and so well told. I'm really happy that you are shedding light on a period of history that is otherwise overlooked.

Narrator's voice itself is very powerful and worthy to host historical documentaries🎉

Epic History never ever fails to compile history into a beautiful video. It's just... EPIC

This is the best history channel on KRclip. The narration, the editing, the art, the music and the level of research just makes every video a sheer joy to watch!

I really hope this series continues on to the Ottoman Empire. Not nearly enough content about this period, fantastic video as always!

Barely 5 minutes in and have goose bumps. Dude can draw me into a story better than anyone else on KRclip. 🎉

Can't think of another channel more deserving of the 2 Million subscriber mark! The effort and quality of each video is a testament to EHTV's love of history.

How do you sustain this? These videos are just simply amazing, and are better than most if not all of the documentaries I have watched. They have gotten me re-invigorated into history, yet they only get up to a million or so views! They clearly deserve more, and I am wondering if you can get the funds to keep making videos? Are the sponsorships enough?
Love from China 🇨🇳.

00:00 The rise of the Abbasid caliphate and its achievements in the Islamic Golden Age.
02:25 The succession and civil war between al-Amin and al-Ma'mun.
03:49 Al-Ma'mun's policies, religious persecution, and revolts in Baghdad.
06:36 The military prowess of the Abbasid armies and the introduction of Turkish slave soldiers.
10:36 The construction of Samarra and the tensions between Turkish officers and Abbasid nobles.
12:57 The reigns of al-Mutawakkil and al-Mutamid, and the decade of anarchy.
14:18 Uprisings and rebellions in Egypt, southern Iraq, and Afghanistan.
16:55 Abbasid authority collapse and Persian Intermezzo
18:01 Caliph as a symbol without power
19:02 Shiite Dynasties and rise of Seljuk Turks
20:01 Seljuk Turks and European Crusaders
21:02 Assassins and fracturing of the Seljuk Empire
22:22 Abbasids regain independence and Mongol invasion
23:14 Mongol invasion and fall of Baghdad
26:25 End of Abbasid caliphate and Ottoman Empire

0:01: 📜 The Abbasid caliphate, which ruled for five centuries, was a period of military dominance, city construction, scholarly brilliance, and technological innovation in the Islamic world.
4:21: 💥 After a year-long bloody siege, the city fell and the caliph was captured and executed. The new caliph, Al-Ma'mun, formed an alliance with the Alids, a powerful family descended from Ali, the fourth caliph and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. However, this alliance led to major revolts in Baghdad, causing Al-Ma'mun to abandon it and impose new religious doctrines on the caliphate.
8:28: 💥 The IX century saw radical changes in military tactics, including the use of specialized troops armed with petroleum-based weapons and the recruitment of Turkish slave soldiers who became skilled cavalry and archers.
12:36: 💥 The Abbasid caliphate faced internal conflicts and struggles for power, leading to a decade of anarchy and challenges to their authority.
17:24: 💥 The Abbasid authority collapsed in Arabia, with a Shiite group attacking pilgrims and stealing the Black Stone, while Persian dynasties gained independence and the Abbasid caliph became a powerless figurehead.
22:16: 💥 The Abbasid caliphate regained independence in the 12th century but was soon destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century.
26:31: 💔 The last Abbasid caliph was captured and taken prisoner by the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of their significant political power.
Recap by Tammy AI

This looks amazing already. There's a thorough video on Arab and Turkic warfare in the later period (11th-14th century) by Schwerpunkt that really deserves as an integration. I'm glad that you've been covering more Islamic warfare in the last couple of months

Epichistory tv is back with blockbuster documentary . Thnks for all the hard work . Your huge fan from 🇱🇰 .

Greatly looking forward to each episode of this series! Muslim conquest and culture is so rich that it’s important for everyone to receive its full human story. Thank you EHT!!! 👏👏

Finally it's here! What a truly epic narration of the early Muslim history. I don't typically hear about much of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates as it's usually always starting with the Ottomans or sometimes hear about the Seljuk Turks and Fatimids during the Crusasdes, but I've always wondered just how the Muslim world came to be and it's often glossed over. And my god, the quote about the Tigris river's waters "running black with ink" from all the books thrown there is such a chilling and badass description. Now I eagerly want to see how you would handle the history of the Mongol Empire from Genghis Khan down to its fall as well. Knowing they were the last Far East Asian power to take on European and Middle Eastern powers until the Japanese's Imperial rise.
But of course, in good time. Thank you so much Epic History for covering this period. I'm excited to resume to the conclusion of Napoleon's campaign in Italy and hope there are more about him to cover such as in Egypt and his plans to take power. Seeing as how, Ridley Scott has produced a full motion picture about him!

So much history packed in 1 video. This is an editing marvel.

Islamic and chinese history are honestly some of the most slept on subjects. I recommend researching and maybe finding games on them, they’re amazing

I love them mentioning the Assassins who have inspired the Assassin's Creed series. And the history of the 860s,70s is exactly what we are going to witness soon in the upcoming Assassin's Creed Mirage!❤

It's not how many historical or military videos one puts out, it is the quality that matters as defined by rigorous research.
This channel does a sterling job in all respects.

I really love the images from Osprey book! They are miles better than the unrealistic, AI generated art most history channels use. Thank you!

Great work guys, the visuals, audio and depictions are well explained. Keep them coming 👌🏽

This is a great series and I hope that we can see a branching out - would love to see a series on some of the empires of the Americas, like the Incas!

Epichistory TV, real time history and the history Chap all release videos in the same day. What an amazing day to be a history buff!

Fantastic video, The Abbasids sure were epic and the story telling here was captivating. 😎👍

can we please get more Islamic -Arab history videos? This one is fantastic and seems so rarely covered!

It’s amazing that epic history tv covers topics like this in such detail this is a masterpiece

Epic history it would be amazing if you did a documentary on the Mongol Empire. I know it would be long and a lot of work which has to be put in but I believe it would be a great vid. I have watched all your videos since im a big fan of history. Great video as always!

I think I’ve learned more from these two videos on the Abbasids than any other you’ve done. I had no idea there was so much division in the Islamic world both ethnic and sectarian.

No words to describe this astonishing work, please keep going ❤

I hope that this series of videos means the channel's entry into the vast Asian region. There are still so many videos to make. For example, to tell about other great Asian empires, such as the Chinese dynasties or the Sassanid Empire. You can tell about great generals, such as Nadir Shah or Timur. In your style, it would be incredibly interesting to watch.

I've been studying ancient and medieval military history for over 40 years and the narrator's voice is like speaking with an old and dear friend!!

Beautiful! Epic History's narration is 10/10, music 10/10, art illustration 10/10

Wonderful artworks! Great narration. Thanks for yet another great video.

When the ‘Abbāsid Caliphs were under Buwayhid suzerainty their Mamlūk policy was not free from the pressure of that Daylamite dynasty. The success of the Daylamite soldiers in so many eastern armies is really astounding, but in the slightly longer run they stood no chance against the Turkish Mamlūks, and they disappeared. Even a Buwayhid ruler preferred Turks over them (see e.g.Bosworth, , “Ghaznevid military organisation”, p. 42

Just wanna say that I love the channel, I have been a fan for years now. I remember watching so many of your videos during covid, lol 10th grade World History was a breeze. I am about to go into Honors College and I like to think you helped by resparking my academic fire.

It should be notice and put I context that Al-al-Mu'tasim’s mother was Turkic that’s why he tend to choose them over others. His brother, Al -Ma’mon, was more reliant on Persian because his mother was Persian and he lived in Merv for years. Al-Amin, although was younger, was chosen because of his mother who come from a noble Abassid Arab (Hashmya). In addition to that, she was the one to be associated with Haron El-Rashid in the one thousand and one nights.

It is amazing. The only thing I would say is that this era needs more than two videos to cover at least as the Napoleonic era. In addition, I encourage to post more videos 🙏

The music you use to symbolize trouble is so ominous, its absolutely perfect in conveying the emotion you are after.

The Byzantine Empire looks terrifyingly small compared this juggernaut. It’s amazing they held on to as much territory as they did

Between this channel and Kings and Generals.. it’s amazing how much I’ve learned about history. Amazing that this platform as we know it now or these channels didn’t even exist ten years ago. Gives me a lot of hope

Epic history great work as always!!!! Thank you for all of your hard work
My question is could you do a documentary about Fredric the Great or about the seven years war like you guys did about Napoleon documentary? That would be soooo awesome!!! ❤❤

These guys are great
Making world aware of history which is not talked about or taught in schools
These events left major effects in our history and current world but are being forgotten because of reasons I would rather not talk about but these people are making history come alive !!!
Awesome

This channel is the definition of quality over quantity

Events are explained in a very dramatic style which is really captivating. I like your style of presentation

Very well done episode! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

@EpichistoryTV Thank you for yet another outstanding piece of work on the Abbasid dynasty.

Please do one series on the Mongols!! The way you explain history is EPIC pun intended!!

Loved this series!! I hope you do more non western historical documentaries!

Been waiting for this one. I knew little of Islamic history prior to part 1 and I had to resist the urge to spoil this video for myself over the last few months. Great series as always. Cheers to EpicHistoryTV!

Amazing work as always. Really loved the hashashin breakdown.

one of the greatest history channel! not enough thanks words for all you are doing and wish for more please

Excellent editing and pacing as usual. Thanks !

Best series on historical times I've ever seen.
You should do a series on Ghengis Khan and the Mongols!

Spectacular! Just 1 question, could you add a bibliography to your videos (besides the recommended readings)?

Your documentaries are epic. You live up to your name. Well done.

I like these videos very much.
I have been watching everything on this channel it's really great.
Respect from India 🇮🇳
Also I have a request, can you please look into making a video on ancient Indian rulers like Samarat Ashok. It'll be great to watch a really interesting time of history

Always a treat to get a vid from EH TV.
Maybe a similar series of the Safavids? Lot's of history there which hasn't been explored. Cheers!

those draws are really something else... congratulations for such a good work as always!

One word to describe your work !! Insane !! Keep Going on you have my full support

Absolutely fascinating, so much to learn here, thank you.

Gorgeous piece of history, thanks for being here 🙏

You are the one of the history teachers I look forward to listening to you make history sounds so fun

Simply epic as always, thank you ehtv!

thank you for uploading part 2 over here I was waiting for it. You made my day today 😊

THIS SERIES IS AWESOME. ABBASIDS THE GREAT MUSLIM DYNASTY THE HEIGHT OF ALL MUSLIM POWER. WE always appreciate your all-hard work and dedication to make these vids. your huge fan from Sri Lanka .

Eagerly waiting for yet another masterpiece 😍

I get excited when an Epic History drops, eagerly looking forward to the completion of Napoleon's campaigns--the best parts of his career are still upcoming in that series--but alas, I am let down by a lesser legacy in the Abbasids :(

mplausible, very simple language with beautiful quotes, its just fabulous. 💕 Presentation is gentle and congenial.

There was one caliph that did have political power during their time in the mamluk sultanate, Al-Musta'in . I think its worth mentioning.

Masterpiece of a documentary.
Thank you EPIC HISTORY.

I like how the narrator pronounce every single word correctly!

This channel's videos had always given me goosebumps its a feeling I cannot explain.

A quarter of a year later the 2nd part is out! I am excited for this!!

Fantastic video!
Can you make one for Ummayad and ottomen dynasties as well.

Congratulations on 2 million subscribers in advance You will reach 10 million subscribers soon Your channel is one of the best channels on KRclip without a doubt👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Thanks for this incredible video ,would love to see epic history tv do a series on early Muslims expansion including the legendary general khalid bin walid sword of God like you guys done for napoleon

Thanks for these videos on this era in the middle east! I hope we stay in the area for a while❤

There is no video that explains history properly in the world but epic history tv make more interesting no one can't match it from great graphics to great rulers and leaders in brief and depth like no other this is most experienced and all works made by them can be understood by everyone in easy way there is no one that's explain this much properly that can be understood 👍🌝🔥🔥🔥

Amazing production. Everything on point. Better than Netflix.

This guy is the best narrator for history videos (esp Napoleon series)

Idk how to not consider these movies. This is a movie. I treat it exactly the same way. Fantastic work

The famous belle-lettrist Abu Hayyan al-Towhidi (d414/1023) quoted Ebn al-Moqaffa* (d.142/759) as stating the following differences between peoples:
The Persians are masters of politics, civility, rules, and protocols. The Greeks have science and philosophy. The Indians have thought, reflection, discernment and magic, and the Turks have courage and audacity. The Africans have joy, endurance and labour. The Arabs have valour, hospitality, loyalty, heroism, generosity, humour and eloquence.

Yes! Another one! I love watching these documentaries. Especially with the intense music in the background.

I’m going to approach this one from a different angle though since there have been developments in scholarship about the subject that I wasn’t previously aware of. One thing we need to keep in mind when examining the 13th-century Mongol expansions is that many of the sources written about the Mongols that survive have a clear agenda and are not always all that reliable as a result. This means we have to take them with a grain of salt and examine them alongside other evidence that exists to verify them. This is common with many fields and subjects in history and I know this subject makes some people irrationally emotional for some reason but we cannot make things up in history, we need to focus on the evidence and the facts to get as close to the truth as possible.
While there is no doubt that the Mongols conquered plenty of land thanks to their mastery of warfare and therefore killed plenty of people, some sources give us numbers of dead that just make absolutely no sense and are essentially propaganda. They will list millions of people killed by the Mongols in a given settlement despite census tax records indicating that only tens of thousands of people lived in some of these locations. There are certainly particularly violent episodes like what happened at Bagdad, which can be verified, or the large-scale warfare that occurred in China (alongside famine and plague which must be kept in mind when looking at the death toll indicated in census records.)
With that said, this idea that the Mongols were bloodthirsty barbarians who killed everyone they came across and killed millions everywhere they went is clearly an exaggeration. In fact, focusing on China we actually do see a population increase when the military campaign is complete and China would go on to prosper under the Yuan dynasty.
This is also a broad trend we see across the Mongol empire in general, the secure trade network they set up resulted in a boom in commerce and generally speaking, the Mongol empire proved to be a net benefit to its subjects. I know its easy to focus on the brutal wars that took place, but we cannot ignore the fact that the Mongols were also very competent diplomats and in actual fact, in some cases they did start diplomatic relationships with peaceful intentions but if you kill another countries envoys and merchants, that sends a very clear message that you intend to fight and every ruler knew it so they only had themselves to blame if they got a bunch of their people slaughtered due to the mistake they made.
So, there is no doubt the Mongols were at times, nasty on the one hand, but the historical evidence simply doesn’t suggest they were any worse than anyone else. They just had all the pieces of the puzzle in place to become really damn good at conquering. Often times people focus on the Mongols but do not even consider the foes they are facing and how they stack up morally speaking and I have to give the Mongols a lot of credit. They could have easily justified some kind of holy crusade or jihad equivalent with their whole “universal ruler” belief justified by the Mandate of Heaven but they didn’t. They didn’t care what your background was or your religion was, they treated you the same as everyone else. Additionally, while their meritocratic system in practice does not quite reflect what we see in the modern day, they deserve credit for that as well all the same, at a time where bloodline was usually king outside of the Mongol sphere.
The Mongol empire is also such a vastly big entity that frankly, I am making some oversimplifications as this subject really deserves a book. Because they were so hands off like any other successful empire in that era as long as you paid your tribute, acknowledged the Great Khan as your ruler, and fulfilled your military obligations, your experience under the Mongol empire will depend at least just as much on the governing body of your state and even settlement. Regardless, I hope this answer provides a clearer picture all the same. Yeah, they killed people. But the caricatures people often turn them into simply are not reflected in the historical record.

Amazing video as always.
I always wonder how much knowledge we lost through pillaging/wars and how far advanced we would have been if such didn't happen.......

I enjoy having this channel cover more non-Western history😊

the video was awesome ! Sir, please continue the history to the rise of great ottoman empire !!! very appreciated ! good work 🎉

Would love a video on the mongols! Or Genghis just like your epic Napoleon series!

Every time I watch a video about the middle east I realize how little I know about the history of the region and the complexity of the past disputes.

When you see documentaries focusing on the other groups that the main faction of a video fought ie. Byzantium. It always sounds like these nations they fought such as the Abbasids were invincible. Meanwhile when you see it from their view point, you realize life was anything but easy.

Great video! Many thanks! It would be also great if you make some videos about the history of Georgia 🇬🇪 😊

Would you guys ever consider doing videos on the war of spanish or austrian succession or other wars in the early modern period?

This quality is insane can’t believe it’s free keep it up!!

Imagine being betrayed by a person who took the name “the Trusted One” for themselves.

Thank you very much for the video. Indeed, the Mongols destroyed what was one of the greatest civilizations that ever emerged. Point to note, there were many more incidents in between. As a Muslim, I hope that Muslims come together and show the world how great we can be. I suggest you do a follow-up video on how the Mongols were stopped by the Mamluks. Also, I suggest you do a video about Salahuddin who freed Jerusalem. Best.

Gentlemen, marvelous work as usual 🤝🏻

I got goosebumps, this video is amazing and the best of all is the voice actor.

Very concise video on the fall of the abbasids 👍

I really love your videos please make videos on Indian subcontinent also..
Indian perspective of Alexander's conquest, resistance.
Mauryan empire, Gupta Empire of Ancient era. Later on Pala, Pratihara, Rashtrakuta.
Mighty Chola, Pandya, Chera, Pallava..
Foreign invasions in the mediaeval and later on Vijaynagara, Maratha, Mughal Empire.