Chapter Four, Lesson Two: The Golden Age

Under Abbasid Rule Question: What factors led to Baghdad becoming a center of trade? Along trade routes. Had river traffic Old Persian Royal Road. Question: Why did Abu Jafar al Mansur move the capital from Damascus to Baghdad? Abbasids had support there. Mesopotamia was the richest province in the empire.

Under Abbasid Rule Question: How were the Abbasids able to hold onto their power? Large army Used postal system to communicate. Also used postal system to spy on provinces. Question: What effect did moving the capital to Baghdad have on Muslim culture? Arabs could not dominate. Muslims took ideas from different areas.

The New Capital of Baghdad Question: What did Baghdad’s economy rely on? Taxes and wealth from manufacturing and trade. Rich in gold, silver, copper, and iron Pearls and gems Question: What things did the Abbasids do to improve life? Irrigation network Improved food production New breads of livestock

The New Capital City of Baghdad Question: What sort of things did the Abbasids do to support trade? Common coinage Large empire Trade routes were protected. Question: What were positive effects of the increased trade for the upper class Abbasids? Rich Leisure time

Abbasid Culture Question: What sort of art was popular in the Abbasid Empire? Calligraphy Geometric designs Plant designs Why not human images? Question: How did bookmaking become important? 751: Abbasids capture Chinese papermakers Papermaking spread throughout the Muslim world. More books means more interest in learning.

Abbasid Achievements in Learning Question: What are some Abbasid contributions to science and math? Mapped the solar system and believed the world was round. Developed algebra…thank an Abbasid! Question: What advances did the Abbasids make in Medicine? Described diseases Performed surgery Used herbal medicines to treat diseases.

A Divided Empire Question: Why did the Abbasids increase taxes? Lost control of important trade routes Wanted to continue their lavish lifestyle. Question: What is a “faction” and what happened with them? Faction…an opposing group. Took control of distant parts. Fatamids…took over control of North Africa.

A Divided Empire Question: Who were the Seljuk Turks and what affect did they have on the Abbasid Empire? Came from central Asia. Conquered Baghdad in 1055 Ruled the empire for 200 years and governed according to Islamic Law.

A Divided Empire Question: What finally ended the Abbasid Empire? THE MONGOLS!

Big Ideas…Lesson Three Trade was important Baghdad’s location Trade routes Manufacturing Taxes Abbasid contributions Learned papermaking from Chinese Calligraphy Science and math Medicine