Vocab Review 2.3

Front

Decentralized

Back

A system of government or power where authority is spread out among many local rulers, lords, or regions, rather than being controlled by one central leader or government.

Front

Caliph Harun al-Rashid

Back

Abbasid Caliph who called for the creation of the House of Wisdom and encouraged scholars from around the world to work in Baghdad.

Front

House of Wisdom

Back

A major intellectual center in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate, where scholars translated and preserved knowledge from various cultures.

Front

Battle of Talas

Back

An important battle between the Abbasid Caliphate and the Tang Dynasty of China over key territory that allowed control of the Silk Road. With the Abbasid’s victory, they also got access to China’s secrets to papermaking.

Front

Diplomacy

Back

The practice of managing relations with other empires through negotiation and dialogue, often used to prevent or resolve conflicts.

Front

Observatories

Back

Special buildings where Muslim scholars in the Abbasid Caliphate studied the stars, planets, and skies. They used observatories to improve astronomy, which helped them make better calendars, navigate for trade and travel, and determine the correct times for daily prayers and religious festivals.

Front

Astrolabe

Back

A navigational tool improved upon by Muslim scholars.

Front

Maristans

Back

Hospitals that would provide care for people and research cures for diseases.

Front

Oral Tradition

Back

A way civilizations record stories and history via word of mouth rather than being written down.