A map of the Islamic empire that outlines boundaries of the empire and its growth from the 7th century to the 9th century. image 1
Two men working on a new invention during the Golden Age of Islam. image 2
Where?
Common areas where the Islamic religion was spread included Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. While the Islamic Empire's influence spread across most of the Arabian Peninsula, it included the territories of the old Egyptian Empire, Persian Empire, parts of the Roman Empire, and other Near Eastern Empires. Arid deserts, river valleys, and mountains dominated most of the regions the empire occupied.
Islamic Golden Age
The Islamic Empire can be characterized by the impactful innovations of the Medieval Era. Most of these innovations were a result of the Islamic Golden age, which was a period of time which lasted from 8th century-13th century and is known for increased literacy rates and an increase in the Muslims' contribution to global knowledge. The Islamic Empire stretched throughout many areas of the eastern and south-eastern part of the world by the 1200's when Bagdad was invaded by the Mongols.
Islamic Religion Origins
The Islamic religion was founded in 630 C.E. in Mecca, by a Bedouin named Muhammed. Muhammed allegedly recieved the word of Allah (the Islamic god) in the desert and tried to share it with other Bedouins. He spoke out against the idols and polytheism that the other Bedouins followed. However, the elders of Mecca did not like him speaking out against them, because the Bedouins spent a lot of money for their religion. Muhammed wouldn't stop telling of Allah, so he was forced to flee to Mecca in a journey called the Hijrah. While in Mecca, he taught people about Allah and gained over 10,000 followers, so he went back to his homeland to destroy the idols that the Bedouins worshipped.
These images show case some of the inventions that were created during the Golden Age of the Islamic Empire. images 3-8
Hospitals from Medieval Islam had a very modern idea of medicine. These were public charitable institutions made of different wards and divisions for each field. I.T
Algebra in the Medieval Era introduced completely new topics and concepts in mathematics. These new concepts allowed for more complex structures, easier planning for itineraries, and simplified dissection of large equations. Z. B
Madrasas in the middle ages served as the many sources of higher education within the Islamic Empire. Often providing those who attended with education in religious ideologies, mathematics, history, and other secular studies. B.R
The innovation of astronomy was very important during medieval times. Astronomy helped with time, religion, and navigation. The study of stars and planets was practiced by many higher powers such as scholars. The Islamic people were advanced in so many categories that other countries were not. I.B
The invention of artillery changed warfare by enabling civilizations to cause mass destruction to its opposition. This made the Islamic Civilizations more powerful than their enemies, letting them conquer large amounts of land. J.M
https://islamichistory.org/islamic-golden-age/ : If you want to know more about the golden age of Islam, then visit this site. There is a great wide overview of the topic and the accomplishments of this period to read about.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam: Learn more about the Islamic religion on this website. It provides a great explanation of the beliefs, origins, practices, and traditions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zw8nhcw#zbwx2v4: This website gives an overview of Medieval Islamic Empire and the civilizations of this empire. Helpful activities and videos are provided on the website for more practice and fun.