1.3.3

The Umayyads & Abbasids

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The Umayyads and Abbasids

While the Abbasids ruled in the east, the Umayyad Caliphate was a major power in the west.

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The Umayyads in Cordoba

  • The Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba in Spain was a major power in the west.
  • After the Abbasids took over the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus, Abd al-Rahman I established an independent emirate (kingdom).
    • Abd al-Rahman I was a surviving Umayyad prince.
    • Abd al-Rahman I established the emirate in Cordoba, Spain, in 756 AD.
  • By the year 929 AD, the emirate of Abd al-Rahman I was declared a caliphate (empire) by Abd al-Rahman III.
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The Umayyad Caliphate

  • The Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba became a centre of cultural and intellectual life.
    • The Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba was known for its achievements in architecture, learning and tolerance.
  • Abbas Ibn Firnas, an inventor in Cordoba, made early attempts at human flying in the 9th Century.
    • Abbas Ibn Firnas's experiments inspired later inventors and showcased the innovative spirit of the Islamic Golden Age.
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Science and Mathematics

  • The Abbasid Caliphate was a pioneer in fields like:
    • Algebra
    • Medicine
    • Astronomy.
  • Groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundations for future scientific discoveries were made by scholars such as:
    • Al-Khwarizmi
    • Al Razi
    • Ibn Sina
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Culture, Literature and Philosophy

  • Both the Abbasid and Umayyad Caliphates facilitated trade and cultural exchange between Europe, Asia and Africa.
    • Cultural exchange enriched Islamic culture with diverse influences.
    • Cultural exchange and helped spread knowledge across different regions.
  • Islamic scholars preserved and translated ancient texts, making significant contributions to literature and philosophy.
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Architectural Marvels

  • The Great Mosque of Cordoba is renowned for its stunning arches and intricate decoration.
    • The Great Mosque of Cordoba was built by the Umayyads.
  • In the east, the Abbasids constructed impressive buildings.
    • For example, the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, a humongous library that symbolises the era’s intellectual achievements.
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Economic Prosperity

  • The strategic locations of Baghdad and Cordoba facilitated trade.
    • Trade contributed to the wealth and economic stability of both caliphates.
  • The wealth helped the flourishing of arts and sciences.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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