The Golden Age of Islamic Culture

1
The Golden Age of Islamic Culture

• In this lesson, students will be able to
  identify characteristics of the Islamic golden
  age.
• Students will be able to identify and/or define
  the following terms
• Golden Age
• Islamic Advances in Science and Mathematics
• Mosques
• Geometric Designs

2
A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity, and
great cultural achievements.
3
Golden Age

• Many cultures experienced golden ages, including
  the Greeks and Guptas.
• A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity, and
  great cultural achievements.
• An Islamic golden age occurred during the Abbasid
  dynasty (8th century to 13th century).

4
Islam spread through conquest and trade. The
Abbasid dynasty ruled a vast empire.
5
The Islamic Golden Age

• The Muslims experienced a golden age.
• During the Islamic golden age, there were great
  advances in mathematics, medicine, architecture,
  and the arts.
• It is important to remember that under the
  Abbasids, Islam became a blending of many
  cultures leading to great achievements.

6
Muhammad forbade making images of God or people.
Islamic artists frequently used geometric designs
in their works of art.
7
Muslim rulers built beautiful mosques. A mosque
is an Islamic house of worship.
8
Muslim doctors learned how to diagnose diseases
like smallpox and measles.
9
Muslim doctors discovered that blood moves to
and from the heart.
10
Muslims borrowed the concept of zero from India
and developed Arabic numerals.
11
Muslim mathematicians also made advances in
algebra and geometry.
12
While much of Islamic literature was based on the
Quran, stories like Aladdin were popular too.
13
The vast Abbasid trading network encouraged
cultural diffusion.
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Questions for Reflection

• What is a golden age?
• List three cultures that experienced golden ages.
• Why did Islamic civilization experience a golden
  age?
• What is a mosque?
• List two advances in mathematics and science that
  occurred during the Islamic golden age.
• Why did Islamic artists rely on geometric designs?