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
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2. A golden age is a time of peace, prosperity,
and great cultural achievements.
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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).
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4. Islam spread through conquest and trade.
The Abbasid dynasty ruled a vast empire.
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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.
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6. Muhammad forbade making images of God
or people. Islamic artists frequently used
geometric designs in their works of
art.
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7. Muslim rulers built beautiful mosques. A
mosque is an Islamic house of worship.
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8. Muslim doctors learned how to diagnose
diseases like smallpox and measles.
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9. Muslim doctors discovered that blood moves to and from the heart.
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10. Muslims borrowed the concept of zero
from India and developed Arabic numerals.
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11. Muslim mathematicians also made advances in algebra and geometry.
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12. While much of Islamic literature was based
on the Qur’an, stories like Aladdin were
popular too.
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13. The vast Abbasid trading network encouraged cultural diffusion.
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14. 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?
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