Key concepts: The origins of Islam

It was unified under the Quraysh Dynasty with its capital at Mecca. This kingdom has tight control over the lives of the people of the Arabian Peninsula.

It consisted of many, fragmented tribes. There was no state structure and people were held in check by tribal law and inter-tribal blood feuds. Some tribes were nomadic while others were settled in cities.

It was fragmented, but because of how sparsely populated it was, it was generally peaceful compared to life under a unified kingdom.