CHAPTER I

THE ANCIENT ARABIANS

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Topography of Arabia--Its History--Influence of Other Nations--Ancient Civilization--Commerce--Persistence of Customs and Language--Character of the Bedouin--His Independence--His Predatory Instincts--Power of Tribal Connection--War the Normal Condition of Existence in the Desert--The Virtues and Vices of the Arabs--Blood-Revenge and its Destructive Consequences--Absence of Caste--Condition of Woman--Marriage--Religion--Astral Worship--Idolatry--Phallicism--Human Sacrifices--Importance and Power of the Jews--Christianity in Arabia--Poetry, its Subjects and Character--The Moallakat--Popularity of the Arab Poet--His License--Influence of Arabic Civilization and Culture on Subsequent Ages 1