Islamic Civilization
The Arab Muslims were very syncretic, adopting much of the old Greek and Roman cultures. They did much translating into Arabic, so that they could study many of the great works. Because so many things were translated, Arabic essentially became the common language.
The Arabs did a lot of urban construction, building magnificent mosques and even cities. Much of Europe was farmland, but the Islamic world was very urban. The Muslims in Cordoba wanted to absorb as much of other cultures as possible, so they translated many works, and studied other cultures, becoming a world-wide known center for learning. It could almost be compared to Alexandria or Athens because of how intellectually focused it was.
The Islamic architecture was very unique and recognizable immediately. Some features
included the pointed arch, traceried windows, and building designs. Many of the large, grand buildings had fountains and courtyards. The mosques also had a specific look to them as we'll as the markets. The Islamic cities also had numerous libraries, where many writings were translated, and numerous works were held. Because of their libraries, many ancient and important works from men such as Plato and Aristotle were saved. They were able to do this because of the size and number of libraries they had, as well as the paper supplied from China along the trade routes.
Not only did they save many things, but they contributed many things to the scientific and mathematic communities. They took things that they learned from the Indians, and they expanded and inserted their own postulates and theorems. One of their most famous scholars, Al-Khwarizmi, discovered algebra, which is still studied to this day. Much of their scientific accomplishments came from astronomy. They learned many things because of their observatory in Baghdad, like the fact that the earth is round, not flat. One thing that has greatly influenced the world was their ability to make an astrolabe that worked. This later allowed the Americas to be discovered by explorers. They also contributed to the medical society. One man, Ibn Sina, created an encyclopedia, and it was later used by students in Europe when they studied diseases and other health-related issues. The Muslims at this time were able to accomplish many things academically, enhancing prior knowledge and exploring new-found realms.
The Arabs did a lot of urban construction, building magnificent mosques and even cities. Much of Europe was farmland, but the Islamic world was very urban. The Muslims in Cordoba wanted to absorb as much of other cultures as possible, so they translated many works, and studied other cultures, becoming a world-wide known center for learning. It could almost be compared to Alexandria or Athens because of how intellectually focused it was.
The Islamic architecture was very unique and recognizable immediately. Some features
included the pointed arch, traceried windows, and building designs. Many of the large, grand buildings had fountains and courtyards. The mosques also had a specific look to them as we'll as the markets. The Islamic cities also had numerous libraries, where many writings were translated, and numerous works were held. Because of their libraries, many ancient and important works from men such as Plato and Aristotle were saved. They were able to do this because of the size and number of libraries they had, as well as the paper supplied from China along the trade routes.
Not only did they save many things, but they contributed many things to the scientific and mathematic communities. They took things that they learned from the Indians, and they expanded and inserted their own postulates and theorems. One of their most famous scholars, Al-Khwarizmi, discovered algebra, which is still studied to this day. Much of their scientific accomplishments came from astronomy. They learned many things because of their observatory in Baghdad, like the fact that the earth is round, not flat. One thing that has greatly influenced the world was their ability to make an astrolabe that worked. This later allowed the Americas to be discovered by explorers. They also contributed to the medical society. One man, Ibn Sina, created an encyclopedia, and it was later used by students in Europe when they studied diseases and other health-related issues. The Muslims at this time were able to accomplish many things academically, enhancing prior knowledge and exploring new-found realms.