Mecca, Saudi Arabia - Great Cities of the Ancient World (sitios de interés)
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Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, Mecca has been a key city in the region since antiquity. The city was a major commercial town from the 6th century, acting as a trade post between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Islamic tradition says the Koran was revealed to Muhammad while he was working as a merchant in Mecca, but he faced hostilities from the people who feared it would bring social and political change.
Muhammed fled to Medina in the north with his followers, and fought a war against the Meccans. After conquering Mecca, the shrine in the city - the Ka'ba which was constructed by the prophet Abraham - became the focal point in which direction Muslims were to pray. A pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the Pillars of Islam, which each follower must undertake during their lives.