Write about the Battle of the Bridge and the Battle of Buwayb, fought during the caliphate of 'Umar.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] (a) Battle of the Bridge: Fought in 634 between the Muslims and the Persians.
2. [10] (a) The Muslim army was led by Abu Ubaydah Tahaqifi and according to Muslim accounts the Persians were led by Rustam. Some sources say that the Persian commander in this battle was Bahman.
3. [10] (a) An old bridge across an irrigation canal lay between both armies. 'Ubaydah decided to cross the bridge to meet the Persians.
4. [10] (a) The Persian elephants terrified the Muslim horses, and the Persian archers devastated the Muslim ranks.
5. [10] (a) Muslims dismounted and engaged in fighting with swords.
6. [10] (a) Many were trampled upon by the elephants including 'Ubaydah.
7. [10] (a) At this point a soldier cut off the ropes of the bridge to stop Muslim soldiers from fleeing the battle. Many drowned as they tried to get to safety.
8. [10] (a) The Battle of the Bridge was the worst defeat suffered by Muslims in the early wars of conquests.
9. [10] (a) Battle of Buwayb: In 635, determined to avenge the defeat of the Battle of the Bridge, a combined force of Muslim and Christian soldiers was put together under Muthanna.
10. [10] (a) Muthanna was seriously wounded in the former battle but effectively inspired his men from his sick bed.
11. [10] (a) The Persian army of 12,000 men met the Muslim force at Buwayb under the command of Mehran. Both armies were again on either side of the river but this time the Persians crossed, and a fierce battle ensued.
12. [10] (a) Though the Persians were in greater numbers the Muslims fought desperately and once Mehran was killed the Persians were demoralised and tried to retreat.
13. [10] (a) The Muslims blocked access to the bridge and eliminated the opposition forces.
14. [4] (b) Candidates could say that the Persians were one of the two superpowers of the time. Defeating a large, well-equipped army led by one of their strong commanders was no mean achievement for the Muslims. Their victory gave a boost to their morale and with this Muslims lost their fear and awe of the Persians. It also meant that southern Iraq was now in the control of the Muslims.
15. [4] (b) Success at Buwayb gave Muslims the confidence to boldly confront the Persians in the Battle of Qadissiya fought in the following year, 636. This led to another Muslim victory following which there was peace in the region for the next few months.