Question 1

According to the text, what was a traditional Hadith asserting about Prophet Muhammad's desire?

Accepted Answer

To conquer Constantinople

Question 2

What extreme conditions did the besieging Arabs face during the siege of Constantinople in AD 717, according to Michael the Syrian?

Accepted Answer

Severe hunger leading to cannibalism and eating of refuse

Question 3

Who was the Byzantine Emperor in Constantinople during the summer of the seventh century AD when Arab forces attacked?

Accepted Answer

Constans II

Question 4

How many ships were part of the Arab navy that attacked the islands of Cyprus, Kos, Crete, and Rhodes?

Accepted Answer

Around 200

Question 5

What was a popular Arabic street phrase mentioned in the text that described the Arabs' perception of the sea and religious practice?

Accepted Answer

The flatulence of camels is more pleasing than the prayers of the fishes

Question 6

What was the traditional maritime advantage of Constantinople before the Arab attacks?

Accepted Answer

A tradition stretching back to its founding by sailors

Question 7

How did Emperor Constans II escape after the initial Arab-Byzantine conflict?

Accepted Answer

He jumped overboard dressed as a common sailor and fled

Question 8

What was the Muslim name for the Battle of the Masts?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of the Masts

Question 9

What new models of boats were mentioned as being used in the Battle of the Masts, which were roped together for hand-to-hand fighting?

Accepted Answer

Dromons and Shalandiyat

Question 10

For how long was Constantinople physically and psychologically besieged after the Battle of the Masts?

Accepted Answer

Half a century

Question 11

What was Constantinople's belief about its own invincibility?

Accepted Answer

It was divinely favored and would remain unconquered until the end of the world

Question 12

Who was considered the 'commander in chief' of Constantinople due to the people's faith?

Accepted Answer

The Virgin Mary

Question 13

After fleeing Constantinople, where did Emperor Constans II eventually travel for security?

Accepted Answer

Sicily

Question 14

Within a few years of Prophet Muhammad's death in AD 632, which Byzantine territory had Arab forces conquered?

Accepted Answer

Syria

Question 15

What event, starting from AD 661, is mentioned as a world-shaping split within the Muslim community?

Accepted Answer

The First Fitna

Question 16

What was the name of the mutilating punishment introduced by the imperial dynasty, involving splitting noses?

Accepted Answer

Rhinotomy

Question 17

In which region did Byzantine populations fortify themselves by burying their settlements into soft rock?

Accepted Answer

Cappadocia

Question 18

What was Constantinople's 'diabolic secret weapon' used to hold back the Arab attacks?

Accepted Answer

Greek Fire

Question 19

From where did the Arabs launch their attacks each spring on Constantinople?

Accepted Answer

Cyzicus

Question 20

In AD 717, Muslim armies returned to Constantinople, having secured a base in which part of Europe?

Accepted Answer

Gibraltar

The Siege of Constantinople and Early Islamic Expansion

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