570- Born in the town of Mecca. His name (Abu al-Qasim Muḥammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf ibn Qusai ibn Kilab) derives from the Arabic verb hamada, meaning "to praise, to glorify".

575- Orphaned upon the death of his mother and placed in the protection of his paternal grandfather, then his uncle.

595 - Marries Kadijah - an older, wealthy widow. They had six children.

610- Receives first revelation from God during the month of Ramadam.

613- Took his message public, these would later become the Qu'ran, Islam's sacred scripture.

622- Emigrates with his followers from Mecca to Yathrib, soon to become known as Medina.

624- The start of three major battles with the Meccans - the Battle of Badr (victory), 625 the Battle of Uhud (defeat), and 627 the Battle of the Trench (victory).

628- The two sides signed a treaty recognising the Muslims as a new force in ARabia. Meccan allies breached the treaty a year later.

629- Orders first raid into Christian lands at Muta (defeat).

630- Conquers Mecca (along with other tribes).

631- Consolidated most of the Arabian Penunsula under Islam.

632- Returned to Mecca to perform a pilgrimage.

632- Dies in Medina after a brief illness. He is buried in the mosque of Medina.

(The Telegraph)