Le prime conquiste islamiche in Oriente: la percezione dei cristiani in alcune opere di VII e VIII secolo

The historical period between the 7th and the 8th centuries was characterized by a range of transformations of the Eastern Empire. Indeed, the Middle Eastern regions faced the invasions of Persians and Arabs who, breaking into the imperial borders, led to profound cultural and historical changes. Considering the most recent scientific outcomes, this paper takes into account some primary sources dating from the mid 7th to the beginning of the 8th centuries, which show how scarcely acquainted Christians were about the new conquerors. In particular, the analysis of the primary sources will highlight the various forms of confusion between Jews, Arabs and heretics, not only widespread in the collective mind-set, but also emerging in the attitudes of the public figures belonging to the ecclesiastical hierarchy.