The first major study of the relationship between army and society in the early Islamic period, which reveals the pivotal role of the military in politics and offers a timely reassessment of the early Islamic State.

Part 1 The conquests and after : Muslimarmies, 11-64/632-83; Part 2 The Armies of the Marwanid Period, 64-132/683-750: Recruitment, Leadership and Tactics; Part 3 The Payment of the Military in the Early Islamic State; Part 4 Early 'Abbasid Warfare, 132-218/750-833; Part 5 The Armies O F Samarra, 218-56/833-70; Part 6 The Last Armies of The Caliphs, 256-324/870-936; Part 7 Weapons and Equipment I N Early Muslim Armies; Part 8 Fortification and Siege Warfare; Part 9 Postscript;