Part 7

Explore the history of the Arabian Empire in Civilization V, from its rise and golden age under Harun al-Rashid to its eventual decline and the unique strengths of the Arabian civilization.

The Arabian Empire, a civilization in Civilization V, boasts a rich history that spans centuries of cultural, economic, and military development. Its story is one of rise, golden ages, and eventual fragmentation.

The Umayyad Caliphate, initially a powerful force, underwent a reorganization of its bureaucracy and economy, fostering advancements in the arts and architecture. However, a decline followed Abd al-Malik's death, marked by economic troubles and military setbacks. This period saw internal tribal rivalries culminate in the Umayyads' defeat by the Abbasids at the Battle of the Great Zab River in 750.

The first Abbasid Caliph, Abu al-Abbas, known as "the bloodletter," ruthlessly consolidated power, establishing a dynasty that would last three centuries. The capital was shifted to Baghdad, signifying a focus on the East—Persia, India, and Central Asia—and a de-emphasis on North Africa and the Mediterranean. The Abbasids were more overtly religious, adhering more closely to Islamic law.

Harun al-Rashid (reigned 786-809) was a pivotal figure, ruling Arabia at its zenith. His military successes against the Byzantine Empire earned him the nickname al-Rashid, "the one following the correct path." Despite some internal revolts, his reign was largely peaceful, leading to immense wealth and prosperity. Baghdad, under his rule, was a metropolis of perhaps a million people, a center of learning attracting scholars from across the Muslim world. Advances in medicine, astronomy, and mathematics flourished, and classical Greek texts were translated, preserving them.

During the Crusades, the Arab world faced Christian Europe. Salah al-Din, or Saladin, emerged as a great general, successfully repelling the Third Crusade and recapturing Jerusalem.

As the Middle Ages concluded, the Empire began to fragment due to internal and external pressures. The vastness of the Empire made centralized governance difficult, leading to numerous insurrections. The debate over succession persisted. In the West, Europeans regained control of Spain, while the Ottomans expanded into the Arabian heartland.

The end of the Arabian Empire as a unified entity came in 1258 when a Mongol army under Hulagu Khan captured Baghdad and executed Caliph al-Musta'sim.

For centuries thereafter, much of the Arab world was ruled by foreign powers, first the Ottoman Turks, then Western colonial powers. Since the 1950s, de-colonization has led to traditional Arab values being modified by urbanization, industrialization, and Western influence, though the tenets of Islam remain influential.

In Civilization V, the Arabian civilization offers unique advantages. Their bonus of 2 extra gold per trade route can generate significant income with a large empire. The Bazaar, replacing the Market, provides 25% extra gold and a specialist slot, along with an additional luxury resource for each resource near the city. Their unique unit, the Camel Archer, is a powerful mounted unit of the Medieval Era, capable of moving after attacking and possessing strong ranged and melee capabilities, though vulnerable to spearmen and pikemen.