Pre-Islamic Arabia: Societies, Politics, Cults and Identities during Late Antiquity

This book explores the political and cultural developments of pre-Islamic Arabia, focusing on the religious attitudes of the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and its northern extension into the Syrian desert. It challenges marginalizing narratives and offers an interpretative framework that contextualizes the choice of Arabian elites to become Jewish sympathizers or convert to Christianity and Islam.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate political and cultural tapestry of pre-Islamic Arabia, shedding light on the profound religious attitudes of the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and its northern extension into the Syrian desert. Spanning from the third to the seventh century, Arabia stood at the crossroads of three mighty empires: Iran, Rome, and Aksum. Moreover, it thrived as a vital hub of trade routes, fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange. In this insightful work, Valentina Grasso presents an interpretative framework that contextualizes the remarkable choices made by Arabian elites to align themselves with Jewish sympathizers, embrace Christianity, or convert to Islam. By delving into the mobilization of faith, Grasso offers a fresh perspective on the formation of Arabian identities, challenging the prevalent narratives that portrayed them as barbarians residing on the fringes of Rome and Iran or as mere victims of deterministic analyses, as exemplified by the Muslims' definition of the period as "jahiliyah," or ignorance. Through meticulous research and a nuanced analysis, Grasso unveils the complex interplay of religious beliefs, political ambitions, and social dynamics that shaped the pre-Islamic Arabia of the past. This book not only provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the region's history but also sheds light on the enduring legacy of religious diversity and the transformative power of faith in shaping societies.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009252966