Abbasid Empire Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the rise, expansion, key terms, and features of the Abbasid Empire.

Caliph

A ruler of an Islamic State.

Abu al-Abbas

The great-great-grandson of al-Abbas who led forces against the Umayyads, captured their capital in Syria, and slaughtered the remaining Umayyad family at a Reconciliation Banquet.

Mawali

Islamic converts who supported Abu al-Abbas to gain acceptance in the community of believers and were later encouraged with benefits like head tax exemption.

Battle of River Zab

The battle in which Abbasid forces captured the Umayyad capital in Syria.

Reconciliation Banquet

An event where al-Abbas slaughtered the remaining members of the Umayyad family.

Baghdad ("The Round City")

The new Abbasid capital built on the Tigris River, measuring 20 miles in diameter, which became the richest city in the world with only Constantinople coming close.

House of Wisdom

An important center that preserved ancient Greek and Roman work, leading to the Renaissance.

Arab dhows

Trading vessels with triangular (lateen) sails used from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea, which later influenced European ship design.