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The Islamic Golden Age

By rwh2171
  • Period: Dec 24, 750 to Dec 25, 1258

    Abbasid Caliphate

  • Sep 14, 786

    Harun al-Rashid becomes Caliph.

    Harun al-Rashid becomes Caliph.
    On this date, Harun al-Rashid becomes the Fifth Caliph of the Abbasid Dynasty. It is during his reign that the Islamic Golden Age is said to start. This is due to al-Rashid's founding of a library that would later be called the House of Wisdom and be considered a central location of the movement.
  • Sep 27, 813

    Al-Ma'mun becomes Caliph.

    After a civil war with his brother over the role of Caliph, Al-Ma'mun becomes the Seventh Caliph on this date. Al-Ma'mun is known for his sponsorship of many intellectuals such as Jabir ibn Hayyan, regarded as one of the most prominent Medieval chemists. Under Al-Ma'mun's reign, the movement to translate and preserve ancient texts flourishes.
  • Dec 24, 830

    Al-Khwarizmi publishes his treatise on mathematics.

    Al-Khwarizmi publishes his treatise on mathematics.
    In about 830, the mathematician Al-Khwarizmi published the text “Al-Kitab al-mukhtasar fi hisab al-jabr wa'l-muqabala”(The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing). This text would became the foundation of the modern system of Algebra, which took its name from the title of the treatise. Al-Khwarizmi's texts were also responsible for the spread of the now ubiquitous Indian numerals.
  • Dec 24, 851

    The Great Mosque of Samarra is constructed.

    The Great Mosque of Samarra is constructed.
    The Great Mosque of Samarra began construction in 848 CE, and was completed in 851. It was one of many construction projects ordered by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakkil. It exemplified common Islamic art stylings of the time, being carved with a variety of geometric designs inside and out. However, little of it remains after Samarra was invaded by Mongols.
  • Dec 24, 854

    Razi is born.

    Razi is born.
    Abūbakr Mohammad-e Zakariyyā-ye Rāzī was born in this year. He was perhaps the most prominent Medieval scholar in the fields of medicine and anatomy, famous for his writings on infectious diseases. His views were also characteristic of a trend towards trial and observation as a basis for knowledge, rather than dogma. He was one of the first proponents of using a control group for research.
  • Jan 1, 909

    Fatimid Caliphate is founded.

    Fatimid Caliphate is founded.
    The Fatimid Caliphate was founded by the 11th Imam, Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah. They used their military might to quickly conquer lands throughout the Mediterranean world, such as North Africa, Syria, Sicily, and Palestine. After Egypt was conquered it became the center of the Caliphate. The Fatimid Caliphate was home to a variety of ethnic groups, and was a safe harbor to intellectuals as it promoted free thought and expression.
  • Period: Dec 24, 909 to Dec 25, 1171

    Fatimid Caliphate

  • Dec 24, 965

    Alhazen is born.

    Alhazen is born.
    Ibn al-Haytham, also known by the latinization Alhazen, was born circa 965 CE. Alhazen is famous for his works on optics and theoretical physics, and for being among the first to outline the principles of the Scientific Method.
  • Dec 24, 972

    Al-Azhar University is founded.

    Al-Azhar University is founded.
    The Al-Azhar University was founded in Cairo under the orders of the Fatimid Caliph. Initially a mosque, it was commonly used a meeting place for intellectuals in the Fatimid Caliphate. By 975 CE, formal lessons had begun in the mosque. This gives it the distinction of being one the first universities in the Middle East.
  • Period: Dec 24, 1171 to Dec 25, 1260

    Ayyubid dynasty

  • Dec 24, 1174

    Saladin founds the Ayyubid dynasty.

    Saladin founds the Ayyubid dynasty.
    Once the vizier in the Fatimid Caliphate, Saladin took control of the caliphate after the death of the caliph and in 1174 declared himself sultan. The Ayyubid dynasty was notable for being a short lived but prosperous reign, with a large amount of building projects in cities such as Damascus, Jerusalem, and Cairo. The dynasty is most unique in the number of female patrons of architectural projects, such as the construction of the Firdaws Madrasa in Aleppo.
  • Feb 10, 1258

    The Fall of Baghdad.

    The Fall of Baghdad.
    The Mongol invasion led by Hulagu Khan eventually ended up in Mesopotamia. Hulagu Khan did not initially plan to topple the Abbasids, but resolved to only when they refused to submit and pay tribute to the Mongols. After a short siege, Hulagu Khan slaughtered the city's people in vast numbers and destroyed all of Baghdad's libraries, including the House of Wisdom. This event marks one of the first incursions of the Mongol forces into the Middle East, and thus the end of the Islamic Golden Age.