ROME - ISLAM

The fourth World Empire, the Roman Empire became one of the largest empires in world history. It was the most powerful economic, cultural, political and military force in the world of its time. It came to power in 27 BC and ruled for many centuries over the area of the Mediterranean Sea.

Its main religion was an Imperial cult, worship of the Emperor; however it gave room for many other religions even Judaism for a time. Christianity emerged as a supposed Jewish religious sect and spread out across the Empire. Then about the 7th century AD another main religion arose - Islam.

Its founder was a man called Mohammed who believed that God gave him revelations. These became known as the `Quran.` In Mecca, (where he was born) Mohammed preached to the people, imploring them to abandon polytheism (many gods) and to worship one God.

Over time Mohammed was able to unite the tribes of Arabia (Middle East) into a single religious polity. The religion spread out across the Mediterranean as far as Spain.

After Mohammed died, disagreement broke out over who would succeed him as leader of the Muslim community. From here the two main denominations of Islam started.

The Sunni Muslims - meaning people of the tradition, (of Mohammed). They believe that the first four caliphs (leaders) were the rightful successors to Mohammed. They believe that a Caliph should be elected by the community.

The Shi-ite Muslims - believe that Mohammed appointed his son-in-law as leader and that the Caliph (leader) should be elected by God.

Over time this religion spread across the Mediterranean . The Roman Empire was eventually overrun by various groups and there has not been a World Ruler since.