# The Round City of Baghdad: Jewel of the Medieval Era
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Chapter 1: The Rise of Baghdad
During its peak between the 8th and 10th centuries, Baghdad stood as the largest city in the world.
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Section 1.1: A Planned City
The round city of Baghdad served as the epicenter of the Abbasid Caliphate. While cities such as Babylon in Iran and Iraq boast histories spanning 4,000 years, Baghdad's origins are comparatively recent. Established in 762 by Caliph Al-Mansur, it flourished for over five centuries as a major cultural hub within the Islamic world.
The construction of Baghdad was a remarkable feat, completed in just four years with the combined efforts of over 100,000 laborers, engineers, architects, and carpenters from across the Abbasid domain. This achievement mirrors the prowess of contemporary construction firms.
Baghdad's design was intentional, reminiscent of modern cities like Brasilia and Canberra. Its unique circular layout, inspired by the famed Greek mathematician Euclid, featured a circumference of 6.5 kilometers (about 4 miles). The city was encircled by three concentric walls, each with gates that opened to the cardinal directions, placing the Caliph's residence at the heart of this magnificent city.
Section 1.2: A Hub of Trade and Culture
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Silk Road trade routes leading to China, India, Armenia, and Europe, Baghdad thrived between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. This ideal location, combined with a temperate climate and its status as the empire's capital, attracted a diverse population.
As Baghdad grew, it exceeded its original boundaries, accommodating over 1.5 million residents by the 10th century. In comparison to medieval Paris and London, which appeared as small, unkempt villages, Baghdad was a cosmopolitan marvel, even outshining the legendary city of Constantinople. The city emerged as the intellectual and cultural nucleus of the Islamic world.
Chapter 2: The Cradle of Knowledge
In Baghdad, scholars and translators found both respect and financial stability. The government actively supported scientific endeavors, not only by translating works from renowned ancient philosophers like Pythagoras and Aristotle into Arabic but also by furthering these ideas through research.
One notable patron, Caliph Al-Ma’mun, championed significant scientific projects, marking the advent of "big science." He even sponsored archaeological digs in Egypt, reflecting his commitment to knowledge.
The House of Wisdom, Baghdad's premier knowledge institution, was home to one of the largest libraries of its time. It functioned as a translation center, university, and research facility. The rulers valued knowledge so highly that they often prioritized acquiring ancient texts over material spoils from warfare.
Section 2.1: The Fall of Baghdad
In 1258, the city faced a devastating siege by the Mongols. Despite its diminished status as the capital of the caliphate, Baghdad remained a cultural beacon for the Muslim world. The Mongol forces, numbering around 150,000, alongside Chinese engineers, French crusaders, Georgians, and Armenians, besieged the city for 12 grueling days.
The consequences were catastrophic: over 900,000 residents lost their lives, and much of Baghdad was reduced to ruins. The chroniclers of the time reported that the Mongols had to position their camp upwind to escape the overwhelming stench of decay.
The Mongols systematically destroyed the great libraries of Baghdad, leading to an immense loss of knowledge. It is said that the Tigris River ran black with ink from countless books tossed into its waters, and one could walk across the river on the spines of the submerged texts.
Conclusion
The fall of Baghdad mirrored other historical tragedies like the burning of the Library of Alexandria in 48 BC and the devastation of the Imperial Library of Constantinople by Crusaders in 1204. The obliteration of the House of Wisdom and Baghdad's libraries marked an unparalleled loss of knowledge for mankind.
Medieval Baghdad was a remarkable global metropolis, yet its downfall serves as a poignant reminder: even the mightiest can fall.