Imperial Extravagance and Succession Disputes - Charlemagne impressed by mosques, palaces, treasures Imperial Breakdown and Agrarian Disorder - End of 9th century
The Declining Position of Women in the Family and Society - Harem and veil, women kept in seclusion.
The Impact of the Christian Crusades
The Abbasid dynasty had began to lose control over the small Muslim empire that had been won from the Umayyads a century earlier. From North Africa to Persia, rebellious governors and new dynasties arose to challenge the Abbasid caliphs claims to be the …show more content…
The sophistication of Muslim scientific techniques is indicated by the fact that in the 11th century, al-Biruni was able to calculate the specific weight of 18 major minerals. As these breakthroughs suggest, much of the Muslims work in scientific investigation had very practical application, this practical bent was also great in other fields. Medical being one, Muslim cities such as Cairo boasted some of the best hospitals in the world. Doctors and pharmacists had to follow a regular course of study and pass an examination before aloud to begin practice.
Much of the religious vitality in Islam in the later Abbasid period was centered on the Sufist movement. Sufis, whose names derived from the woolen robes they wore, were wandering mystics who sought personal union with Allah.Some Sufis gained reputations as great healers and workers of miracles: others led militant bands that tried to spread Islam to