In Asia they took Asia Minor from the Byzantines and attempted to capture Constantinople with a combined attack from land and sea. In the early eighth century, Saracens from Tangiers invaded the Iberian Peninsula and conquered the Visigoth kingdom established there after the fall of Rome. In the next 60 years, both North Africa to the west and Persia to the east fell to Islam. Their tolerance of Jews and Christians eased their conquest because these people had been suffering some persecution under the Byzantines. Within five years they had overrun Egypt, Palestine, and Syria. In 634 his followers began their jihad, or holy war. Following his death in 632, his teachings were collected to form the Koran, the Islamic holy book. Largely ignored in his home city of Mecca, he withdrew to Medina, built up a strong following there, and returned to attack and capture Mecca. Following the teachings of the prophet Mohammed, their intent was to change the religious and political landscape of the entire planet.Д«y 613 the prophet Mohammed was preaching a new religion he called Islam.

Their conquest was fueled by faith and high morale.

These desert nomads erupted suddenly in the seventh century and established a far-reaching empire within a century and a half. In broader usage the name applied to all Arabs of the Middle Ages. The name Saracen applied originally to nomadic desert peoples from the area stretching from modern Syria to Saudi Arabia. Unique Techs Madrasah (Monks return 33% of their cost when killed) Saracen unique camel unit with ranged melee attack.

Archers (except skirmishers) +3 attack vs.

Transport Ships 2x hit points, 2x carry capacity.

Your well-trained Mamelukes, fearsome and fearless warriors, are the only warriors strong enough to halt the advance of the dreaded Mongol hordes! Lead swift cavalry and tough camelry to conquer from Iberia to India, construct strong navies to prowl the seas, and foster rich scholarship and religious contemplation. In the 7th century, the nomadic desert tribes of Arabia rallied around a charismatic prophet and established one of the most far-reaching and vibrant religious cultures that the world has ever seen.

Age of empires 2 saracens