The History and Achievements of the Islamic Golden Age

Synopsis

"Although the word wasn’t coined until much later, today we would call many of the influential figures of the Islamic Golden Age “scientists”—experimental thinkers who researched everything from the circumference of the Earth to the classifications of chemical compositions. This period saw the birth of the scientific method—including the origins of the “control” in an experiment—and ushered in transitions from what we would call astrology to astronomy, and from alchemy to chemistry." [Great Courses]
Excellent lectures! Was there an Islamic Golden Age between 750 and 1250 that was filled with new ideas about science, philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, the arts, and architecture? Yes! This important era, directly preceding the European Renaissance, is now becoming increasingly recognized by historians. It was recognized in the course, "Modern Spain: Still on a Crossroad." Also see "1001 Inventions" by Al-Hassani and "The House of Wisdom" by Lyons. Why were the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe (e.g., Notre-Dame, Cologne, Chartres, Reims, and Canterbury) built in Europe during the 12th and 13 centuries just at the end of the Crusades? Thanks to Professor Gearon for providing a clear answer.

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Released

2017

Location

Islam

Setting