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 E. Napp

A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity, and great cultural achievements. E. Napp

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). E. Napp

Islam spread through conquest and trade. The Abbasid dynasty ruled a vast empire. E. Napp

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. E. Napp

Muhammad forbade making images of God or people. Islamic artists frequently used geometric designs in their works of art. E. Napp

Muslim rulers built beautiful mosques. A mosque is an Islamic house of worship. E. Napp

Muslim doctors learned how to diagnose diseases like smallpox and measles. E. Napp

Muslim doctors discovered that blood moves to and from the heart. E. Napp

Muslims borrowed the concept of zero from India and developed Arabic numerals. E. Napp

Muslim mathematicians also made advances in algebra and geometry. E. Napp

While much of Islamic literature was based on the Qur’an, stories like Aladdin were popular too. E. Napp

The vast Abbasid trading network encouraged cultural diffusion. E. Napp

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? E. Napp