1. Pax Romana
It might seem contradictory but after an empire conquers a whole area it can often lead to times of advancement.
The roman conquest lead to the Pax Romana (peace of Rome) where people didn't fight each other because Rome conquered them.
2. Islamic Golden Age
PEACE - No more war between the Romans and the Sassanid Persians - we are all muslims now.
LEARNING - Respect for scholars, spreading literacy - If the Quran is God’s word then it is important to learn to read/write. Scholars are the most important people in the Islamic world.
HEALTHCARE - Building new hospitals, requiring them to heal the poor. - Zakat and Islamic ideas about charity
Who said the Middle Ages were dark? They weren't for the Muslim World!
3. Was everyone doing great during the Islamic golden age?
You still had a difference between rich vs poor
Although, the WAQF (foundations) would help pay for the education of the poor and they could become great scholars.
Urban (cities) vs rural (countryside)
Farmers aren’t exactly going to be able to spend much time doing learning.
Muslims vs Dhimmi (people of the book, non-muslims)
Although for some groups, like Jews, the Islamic Golden Age led to their own Golden Age. Jewish thinkers like Maimonides changed Judaism forever. Things weren’t as good for Christians
I learned everything in Muslim school (Madrassa) and I’m Jewish!
4. Discussion Questions
Overall, what do you think about the Islamic Golden Age?
Why did they call it a Golden Age? What was so good about it?