How come the Arabs never managed to conquer Rome like they did to Persia? The Arabs, specifically referring to the Muslim forces that emerged in the 7th century during the Islamic conquests, did not conquer Rome for several reasons. While they were successful in conquering large parts of the Eastern Roman Empire, including territories that were previously part of the Persian Empire, they did not extend their conquests as far west as Rome. Here are some key factors:

Geographical Distance:

The Islamic conquests primarily focused on territories closer to the Arabian Peninsula, where Islam originated. The distance between the Arabian Peninsula and Rome was substantial, and logistical challenges, as well as the vastness of the Mediterranean Sea, made it more difficult for the Arab forces to launch a direct assault on Rome.

Strategic Priorities:

The early Islamic conquests were initially concentrated in the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, North Africa, and Persia. These areas were seen as strategically important, both for religious and economic reasons. The expansion into these regions was driven by a combination of religious zeal, political motivations, and economic interests.

Byzantine Resistance:

The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) presented a formidable military and administrative structure. The Arab forces faced strong resistance from the Byzantine Empire, which slowed down their westward expansion. While the Arabs managed to conquer territories in the Eastern Roman Empire, they did not push as far west as Rome.

Focus on Conquering Persia:

The early Muslim conquests included the swift defeat of the Sassanian Persian Empire. The conquest of Persia was a significant achievement and consumed a considerable amount of resources and effort. The Arab forces might have considered further westward expansion less strategically crucial compared to securing and consolidating their gains in the conquered territories.

Political and Religious Factors:

The political and religious motivations behind the Islamic conquests were complex. While expansion was certainly a goal, the specific targets and priorities were influenced by political and strategic considerations as well as religious factors. The leadership of the Muslim forces may not have seen the conquest of Rome as a primary objective at that particular time.

In summary, a combination of geographical distance, strategic priorities, Byzantine resistance, the focus on conquering Persia, and political and religious factors contributed to the Arab forces not extending their conquests to Rome during the early Islamic period.