A Journey to the Round City
Have you ever imagined a city built in a perfect circle? For 500 years, Ancient Baghdad was the biggest, richest, and smartest city in the world. It was the glittering capital of the Abbasid Empire and the heart of the Islamic Golden Age. This interactive page invites you to explore its incredible story, from its grand design to its legendary House of Wisdom. Let’s travel back in time!
The Rise and Fall of Baghdad
Follow the 500-year journey of Baghdad from a visionary’s dream to a tragic end. Click on any point to learn more.
Explore the Golden Age
For centuries, Baghdad was the world’s capital of science, culture, and new ideas. This era, known as the Islamic Golden Age, was a time of incredible discovery and creativity. Dive into the different parts of this amazing period to see what made the city shine so brightly.
The Round City’s Design
Baghdad was a marvel of urban planning, built as a perfect circle with the Caliph’s palace at its heart. This design wasn’t just beautiful; it was a symbol of power and order. Hover over the different parts of the diagram to see how the city was laid out.
Inside the Golden Age
Meet the Key Figures
A great city is made by its people. From visionary rulers to genius inventors, Baghdad was home to incredible individuals who changed the world. Learn about some of the most famous people from this era.
Reigns of the Great Caliphs
This chart shows the ruling periods of the first three great Abbasid Caliphs who built and elevated Baghdad. Their leadership laid the foundation for the Golden Age.
How Do We Know? A History Detective’s Guide
How do historians know so much about a city from over 1,000 years ago? They act like detectives, using clues called ‘sources’. There are two main types. Explore the examples below to learn how we piece together the story of the past.
📜 Primary Sources
These are eyewitness clues from the actual time period. They are direct pieces of the past.
📚 Secondary Sources
These are created LATER by historians who study the primary sources to tell a story.
Quiz: Ancient Baghdad
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