Year 5 - History
Baghdad's connection to the medieval world
Early Islamic civilisation: what connected Baghdad to the wider world?
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Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils analyse the connections that 9th-century Islamic civilisation had to the wider world. They learn about its connections to the East and West and the importance of Baghdad as a centre of learning and knowledge.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the different ways in which Baghdad was connected to the wider medieval world.
Key Notes
- Baghdad, and the wider Islamic world, was connected to both Asia and Europe by trade, communication and ideas.
- Baghdad was built on the Abbasids' wealth from the Silk Road and added to it through trade from East to West.
- Baghdad was connected to the historic Greek and Persian dominance of the region through science and architecture.
- The Caliph's sponsorship of the sciences and the arts meant that Baghdad both imported and exported classical knowledge.
- Baghdad's House of Wisdom and its universities made it a centre of scientific discovery and engineering prowess.
Vocabulary To Learn
- medieval: medieval refers to the Middle Ages, a period in history that lasted from about 500 to 1500 CE
- sponsorship: sponsorship is when someone supports an event, activity or person, usually by giving money
- classical: classical refers to knowledge, ideas, art, literature, and cultural achievements from ancient Greece and Rome
- engineering: engineering is the use of science and maths to solve problems and build things
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Baghdad, especially during the Abbasid Caliphate, was an isolated or insular city.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Baghdad, and the wider Islamic world, was connected to both Asia and Europe by trade, communication and ideas. Baghdad was built on the Abbasids' wealth from the Silk Road and added to it through trade from East to West.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'medieval'
medieval refers to the Middle Ages, a period in history that lasted from about 500 to 1500 CE.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Baghdad, especially during the Abbasid Caliphate, was an isolated or insular city. Correction: Baghdad was a major hub of trade, communication, and intellectual exchange, connecting the Islamic world with both Asia and Europe.
More Lessons In This Unit
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