Islamic Golden Age
- Number System
- Islamic scholars borrowed the Indian number system that spread along the Silk Road
- Arabic numbers are done in groups of ten and include the concept of zero
- Algebra
- Developed method to solve difficult math problems, called “Al-Jabar”
- Substitute x, y, and z to solve math problems
- Chemistry
- Islamic scholars were the first to try to separate compounds
- For example, they discovered that all metals were a mixture of sulfur and mercury, and the gold was a perfect balance of them
- Navigation
- Improved the astrolabe to make it a very reliable tool to determine direction
- Added ways to calculate longitude, latitude, and directions
- Helped Muslims find the location of Mecca, and sailors find their destination
- Banking
- Muslim caliphs were among the first to have widespread banks
- Trade grew since they allowed merchants to cash checks at any Islamic banks
- Education
- Islamic scholars translate Greek, Persian, and Indian works into the “House of Wisdom”
- A major center in modern-day Baghdad contained massive libraries, open halls for debate, taught multiple languages, and preserved culture for millions
- Art
- Muslim artists used geometric and floral patterns instead of making art of people and animals
- Created a unique style that attracted attention of markets around the world
- Chess
- Indian game that was made very popular by Muslim intellects
- The challenge of the game made it very popular at the House of Wisdom
- Literature
- Poetry is one of the greatest Islamic art styles
- Usually sung and kept it short
- Arabian Nights is a collection of Arabic folktales about a genie and a magic lamp
- Architecture
- Beautiful mosques built to show respect for Allah and Muhammad
- Used domes, columns, and geometric designs