Death comes easily in the seventh-century Arabian desert - from hunger and thirst to the relentless sun to war and raiding tribes who take by force the scarce resources needed to survive. In this harsh land, the powerful city of Mecca is a beacon, famous for its well, which provides abundant life-giving water, and its great temple, where pilgrims come to worship the totems of hundreds of gods.
It is here that the prophet Muhammad is born. As an orphan, he is disparaged by society. Brought up by an uncle, he was put to work on the caravan trade, traveling throughout Arabia, and soaking in an array of knowledge and religious views.