Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Islamic Art: Early Islamic Period: History

An excellent introduction to the earliest period of Islamic art (approximately A.D. 700 to A.D. 1000) that includes a historical overview of the rise of Islam. With informative descriptions and wonderful reproductions of art from the period, the site offers a fascinating view of cultural transformation, explaining how Islam superceded existing artistic traditions as it spread outward from the Arabian Peninsula. Useful extras include a timeline of Islamic dynasties, a glossary, and a gallery of architectural jewels of the Islamic world.