1. Islamic Empire
Part 2

2. 5. Islamic Empire
After Mohammed’s death, Arab leaders form a theocratic empire (jihad).
Become the dominant culture of the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.

3. 6. Cultural influences Cultural influences in Islam: Arabian Persian
Far East: India, China
Greco-Roman (Mediterranean basin)

4. 7. Greco Roman legacy Science:
Greco-Roman scientific knowledge was lost in the Christian West. Why?

5. 7. Greco Roman legacy
Provincial nature of the Medieval West (ruralization)
Destruction of libraries (Constantinople by the Crusaders)
Decline of educational institutions.
Sequestering of knowledge by the Church.

6. 7. Greco Roman legacy
Muslim scholars preserved the Greco-Roman corpus of scientific knowledge.
They improved on it by adding the achievements of the East (Persia, India and China).
They spread all this knowledge throughout their empire ultimately bringing it back to Western Europe through Spain (Al-Andalus).

7. 8. Scientific advances Astronomy: Use of the astrolabe.
Instrument to measure the altitude of the sun and stars: a way to measure time, calendar.
Invented by Hellenistic Greeks (Alexandria).

8. 8. Scientific advances Mathematics: Medicine: Algebra (equations)
Hindu numerals
Medicine:
Empirical approach
Pediatrics
Ophthalmology
Pharmacy
Encyclopedias

9. 8. Scientific advances Chemistry (alchemy): alcohol Book-making:
Introduction of paper from China (used instead of papyrus or parchment)

10. 9. Literature Lyric Poetry: Collections of Eastern tales:
Impossible love
Pursuit rather than union with the beloved.
Influence on Provençal poetry
Collections of Eastern tales:
The One Thousand and One Nights
Influence on Medieval literature: Boccaccio: Decameron

11. 10. Al-Andalus: Islamic Spain
Cordoba: capital of Abd-ar-Rahman III (10th century). Great Mosque.
Toledo: School of translations.
Golden age of religious tolerance and scientific and cultural achievements.
Granada: Alhambra Palace

12. 10. Al-Andalus: Cordoba

13. 10. Al-Andalus: Cordoba Large courtyard Fountains for ritual washing
Minaret (muezzin)

14. 10. Al-Andalus: Cordoba
Use of arches and domes

15. 10. Al-Andalus: Cordoba