Siege of Constantinople (674–678)

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/siege-of-constantinople--674-678-

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the location of the siege?Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey)
2. What is the primary attacking force?Umayyad Caliphate, under Caliph Mu'awiya I
3. How did the Byzantines stop the Umayyad ships?They used a special liquid called Greek fire that could burn on water and was hard to put out, which hurt the Arab fleet and broke the blockade.
4. Why was the city of Constantinople so important to the Umayyads?Capturing it would have ended the Byzantine military power and shown Umayyad dominance, and could let them move into Europe.

Umayyad Caliphate: The second of the four major Islamic caliphates, established after the Rashidun Caliphate.
Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, which continued to thrive after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Greek Fire: A combustible weapon used by the Byzantine Empire, known for its ability to burn on water.
Blockade: An act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving.