Abbasid Caliphate and Fragmentation

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Abbasid Caliphate and its historical significance.

Abbasid Caliphate

A major Islamic caliphate that ruled from 750 to 1258 CE, known for its cultural, scientific, and economic prosperity.

Haroun al-Rashid

An Abbasid caliph known for his reign during the peak of the caliphate, famous for his relationships with Europe and his depiction in 'One Thousand and One Nights'.

Al-Saffāḥ

The first Abbasid caliph, known as 'the Giver', recognized for his extreme generosity and mercilessness toward the Umayyads.

Baghdad

The capital city founded by al-Manṣūr in 762 CE, which became a major center of trade and culture during the Abbasid period.

Political Decline

A phase in Abbasid history characterized by internal strife, loss of central authority, and the rise of regional powers.

Peasant Revolts

Rebellions initiated by the lower classes during the Abbasid period, notably including the Zanj revolt.

Fragmentation

The process through which the political unity of the Islamic Empire began to break down, leading to independent states like the Fatimids in Cairo.

Fatimid Caliphate

An Islamic caliphate that emerged in North Africa, rivaling the Abbasids and known for its establishment of al-Azhar University.

Umayyad Caliphate

The caliphate that preceded the Abbasids, known for its territorial expansions and cultural achievements.

Cultural Prosperity

The flourishing of arts, science, and philosophy during the Abbasid period, significantly contributing to the Golden Age of Islam.