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069_Tabuk, page : 2
Tabuk
It is a common misconception that all Romans referred to in Islamic literature were
actually Romans, some who were classified as Romans were Arabs, others Byzantine
and so on. They were in fact a protectorate of the Rome Empire in which they came
under the wing of Rome but left to govern themselves, although subject to Roman
taxation.
It was now the ninth year and it was in the months that followed the victory of Hunain,
that Heraclius, Emperor of Rome captured the City of Jerusalem from the pagan
Persians who were then forced to retreat from both Syria and Egypt.
From time to time traders from Syria would visit Medina to trade and this time they
brought the misinformation that Heraclius had set his sight upon conquering Medina and
had gone so far as to advance a year's pay to his soldiers because he expected it to be
a lengthy campaign. In addition to the rumors, disturbing reports reached Medina that
Heraclius' army had already marched as far south as Balka and succeeded to secure the
support of the Arab tribes of Ghassan, Judham, Lakm and Amilah. The fact of the matter
was the Arab governor of Tabuk was allied to the Romans, and it was he who
It is a common misconception that all Romans referred to in Islamic literature were
actually Romans, some who were classified as Romans were Arabs, others Byzantine
and so on. They were in fact a protectorate of the Rome Empire in which they came
under the wing of Rome but left to govern themselves, although subject to Roman
taxation.
It was now the ninth year and it was in the months that followed the victory of Hunain,
that Heraclius, Emperor of Rome captured the City of Jerusalem from the pagan
Persians who were then forced to retreat from both Syria and Egypt.
From time to time traders from Syria would visit Medina to trade and this time they
brought the misinformation that Heraclius had set his sight upon conquering Medina and
had gone so far as to advance a year's pay to his soldiers because he expected it to be
a lengthy campaign. In addition to the rumors, disturbing reports reached Medina that
Heraclius' army had already marched as far south as Balka and succeeded to secure the
support of the Arab tribes of Ghassan, Judham, Lakm and Amilah. The fact of the matter
was the Arab governor of Tabuk was allied to the Romans, and it was he who