1. Learning and Artistic Refinements

2. Introduction
Town life became more dangerous as the empire’s political foundation crumbled
In spite of the chaos, there was a great expansion of art, science, and learning
Caravan trade flourished
Mosques and Palaces grew more ornate
Cordoban, Spain
Tapestries and rugs
Bronzes and ceramics

5. Persian Literature
Persian replaced Arabic as the primary written language of the Abbasid court
Arabic remained the religion of law, religion, and science
Persian was the language of “high culture”
Phrases like, “A jug of wine, a loaf of bread, and Thou”
The Shah-Nama is the most recognized work written by Firdawsi

6. Portions of it are read out loud to music
Writers wrote on many subjects
Sa’di – fused everyday messages with a religious tone… p. 158

8. Science Corrected many algebraic and geometric theories of the Greeks
Founded the basic concepts of trigonometry – sine, cosine, and tangent
Chemistry – classified all substances into either animal, vegetable, or mineral
Al-Biruni – calculated the weight of 18 minerals
Cairo – a Muslim city, had some of the best hospitals in the world

10. Scientists made advancements in optics and bladder disorders
Papermaking, silk-weaving, and ceramics were improved upon
Muslim scholars became some of the best map makers in the world

12. Religious Trends
The ulama – the religious scholars questioned all of these advancements
Especially if they were not derived by Muslims
The rise of a new variant of Islam – Sufi
They were wandering mystics who sought personal union with Allah
Similar to Buddhists and Hindus
Tried to see beyond everyday life

13. Some became great healers
Others led militant bands
Others used drugs, songs or meditation

16. Nomadic Invasions The Mongols, led by Chinggis Khan invaded
Chinggis died before the complete conquest, but is grandson Hulego finished it
They captured Baghdad in 1258 CE