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The Abbasid Golden Age — Reading Comprehension

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This rigorous reading passage explores the Abbasid Golden Age, a remarkable period in world Middle Eastern history when Baghdad became a global center for science, mathematics, and culture. Students will learn about the contributions of scholars, the translation movement, and how geography and society shaped advancements in medicine, astronomy, and literature. The passage includes a glossary, timeline, graphic organizers, and activities aligned to CA HSS 7.2.5 and CCSS RH.6-8.2, CCSS RH.6-8.4, CCSS RH.6-8.7. The resource is designed for use in world and world history curricula and features a read aloud audio option and a complete Spanish translation to support diverse learners. This engaging content challenges students to analyze historical change, continuity, and cause-and-effect while building academic vocabulary and critical literacy.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Balami - Tarikhnama - Abu'l-'Abbas al-Saffah is proclaimed the first 'Abbasid Caliph (cropped) — "Balami - Tarikhnama - Abu'l-'Abbas al-Saffah is proclaimed the first 'Abbasid Caliph by Abu Ali Bal'ami / Wikimedia Commons

The Abbasid Golden Age refers to a period from the mid-8th to the 13th century CE, when the Islamic world, especially the city of Baghdad, became a global center of knowledge, scientific discovery, and cultural exchange. The Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled much of Southwestern Asia and North Africa, encouraged learning and welcomed scholars from many lands. This era is known for significant advancements in science, mathematics, medicine, literature, and philosophy that deeply influenced later civilizations.

The Abbasid Caliphs built Baghdad along the Tigris River in 762 CE. Its location was chosen for its access to trade routes and fertile lands. The city quickly grew into a cosmopolitan center, attracting skilled artisans, writers, and scientists. The House of Wisdom, founded in the early 9th century, became famous for its collection of books and as a hub for translation and original research. Scholars translated important works from Greek, Persian, and Indian sources, making them available in Arabic. For example, the mathematician al-Khwarizmi, working in Baghdad around 820 CE, wrote influential texts on algebra and introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to the Islamic world.

Advancements in science and medicine were supported by the Abbasid belief that gaining knowledge was an important religious and social duty. Physicians like al-Razi (Rhazes) and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) made breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating diseases, compiling medical encyclopedias that were used for centuries. Astronomers at observatories in Baghdad and Damascus mapped the stars, calculated the earth's circumference, and improved navigation techniques. Libraries were filled with manuscripts, and poets such as al-Mutanabbi contributed to a flourishing of Arabic literature.

Social life in the Abbasid Caliphate reflected the diversity of its empire. While caliphs and wealthy patrons supported scholars and artists, daily life for most people was shaped by trade, agriculture, and religious practice. The translation movement allowed knowledge from many cultures—Greek, Indian, Persian—to merge with Islamic ideas, creating a unique intellectual tradition. Over time, the empire faced political challenges, but many of its cultural and scientific achievements continued to influence Europe and Asia long after the Abbasid period ended.

The Abbasid Golden Age is significant because it preserved ancient knowledge, inspired new discoveries, and showed how the exchange of ideas across societies can lead to historic achievements. It highlights the connections between geography, social structure, and innovation in world history.

Interesting Fact: The word "algorithm" comes from the name of al-Khwarizmi, whose work in Baghdad shaped the future of mathematics and computer science.

When was Baghdad founded?

762 CE820 CE750 CE900 CE

Who wrote about algebra in Baghdad?

Ibn Sinaal-Khwarizmial-Razial-Mutanabbi

What was the House of Wisdom?

A palaceA library and research centerA mosqueA market

How did geography help Baghdad grow?

It was near trade routesIt was on a mountainIt had gold minesIt was close to the sea

Why did the Abbasids support knowledge?

For religious and social dutyTo conquer landsTo build palacesTo make weapons

What effect did translation have?

Spread knowledge from other culturesStarted warsDestroyed old booksStopped trade