During the Middle Ages, Islam was Christian Europe's only civilized and most troublesome neighbor. The Middle Ages saw almost continual strife between these two distinct cultures. By the time the Frankish Crusaders reached the Middle East at the end of the 11th century, Islam had already incorporated three major races: Arabs, Persians and Turks, each of which contributed different strengths to the armoury of Islam. This title explores the organization, uniforms and equipment of the armies of Islam from the 7th to 11th centuries,.

Chronology -- Introduction -- The first Muslim Armies -- Rise of the Heavy Cavalry -- The Age of the Ghulams -- The Successor States -- Role of the Infantry -- The triumph of the Horse Archery -- European Influence in al Andalus -- Tactics and Styles of Combat - Second Yarmuk: infantry in defence and attack - Siffin: the role of Champions -Poitiers: mobile raiding forces - Juzjan: strategy in defence - Baghdad: a major siege - Rome: seaborne raid - Arbaq: Daylami infantry versus ghulam cavalry - Sidon: Tribal Berbers versus Turkish 'ghulams' - Zallaca: Western Islamic tactics -- The plates.