Mardaite revolts

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Mardaite revolts

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Anti-Abbasid Christian revolts in Lebanon, spanning 752 and 759.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Mount Lebanon revolts of 752 and 759 were a series of anti-Abbasid revolts by the Christian inhabitants of Lebanon as a response to the Abbasid oppression of the region. The first of these revolts began in the year 752 under the Mardaite prince Elias of Baskinta. Elias battled the Arabs in many parts of the Beqaa Valley but ultimately met his fate in a town now named after him known as Qabb Ilyas. However the Christians were not discouraged and a new leader known as Simon continued the rebellion, almost taking Homs and Hama of Syria with the support of the Byzantine navy. A second rebellion, commonly known as the Munayṭirah Revolt (Arabic: ثورة المنيطرة), occurred in 759 when a man known as Bandar (or Theodore in some sources) declared himself king over all of the Mardaites.

Career & Major Achievements

Salih ibn Ali, the uncle of the Abbasid caliph, ambushed Bandar near Baalbek and defeated him. After this the Caliph migrated several Arab tribes to the Christian regions forcing the expulsion of many from their native villages. In the year 750 the Abbasids overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate and took most of its former territories. This included parts of modern-day Lebanon such as the Beqaa Valley. Unlike their predecessors who were more tolerant towards the Christians of Lebanon, at least since Maronite-Byzantine relations deteriorated, the Abbasids were harsh towards the Lebanese Christians harassing and heavily taxing them.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the year 752 a Mardaite prince known as Elias of Baskinta began to raid the Beqaa region as a response to the oppression of the Abbasids. Elias set up base in a town known as al-Muruj and turned it into his headquarters assuming control of the Beqaa. When the Abbsaid caliph As-Saffah heard about this he sent an envoy bringing a robe of honor and the two sides sat to eat together. However, Elias became drunk and infatuated with a dancing maiden which caused his captains to lose their confidence in him and abandon him. Unbeknownst to Elias or his men, a group of soldiers were following the envoys and attacked Elias while he was drunk, killing him and many of his men.

Notable Quotes by Mardaite revolts

“Thou hast heard of the expulsion of the dhimmis from Mt. Lebanon... How didst thou then punish the many for the fault of the few...”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mardaite revolts

True or False: “The Abbasids immediately restored full tolerance to all Christian communities in Lebanon after suppressing the revolts.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Instead of immediate restoration, the Abbasids implemented harsh measures, including migrating Arab tribes to settle in and control the region.

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