 As Islam spread, the Muslims practiced Cultural Diffusion by blending ideas from many cultures including; Persians, Egyptians, and Europeans including Greek and Roman as well as ideas from India.

 Muhammad and later successors known as Caliphs stressed the importance of education. The cities of Baghdad and Cairo became centers of learning with grand universities and libraries.

 Mosques and Palaces : Used domes and arches. God and or human figures are not allowed to be portrayed in religious art.  Calligraphy : Muslim artists decorated buildings with sayings from the Quran in calligraphy.  Drawings and Paintings : In nonreligious art, Muslim artists portrayed animals and human figures although it was discouraged.

 Poetry : Most poems were written based on the teachings in the Quran.  Tales : The Thousand and One Nights is a collection of Muslim fables, romances, and humorous stories.  Philosophy : Translated the works of Greek, Indian, and Chinese writers.

 Algebra : Muslims founded the study of Algebra. Muslim mathematicians translated their work into Latin.  Astronomy : Studied the rotation of the earth and calculated the circumference of the Earth within a few thousand feet.  Medicine : Required those seeking to be doctors to pass very difficult exams. Established hospitals.

 Trade : Merchants were honored in Muslim society. Muslims established large trade networks throughout the Middle East and Europe. They spread goods and their religious beliefs.  Manufacturing : Trade Guilds regulated prices, weights, and measurements. Muslim craft workers produced steel swords, leather goods, and carpets.  Agriculture : Farmers grew sugarcane, cotton, medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables.