Abbasid ?

The Abbasid Caliphate was the third Islamic caliphate that ruled over a vast empire from 750 to 1258 AD. It was founded by Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah, who overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate. The Abbasids moved the capital of the caliphate from Damascus to Baghdad, which became a center of learning, culture, and trade.

Under the Abbasids, the Islamic empire experienced a period of great prosperity and cultural advancement. They promoted the translation of Greek and Persian works into Arabic, leading to significant advancements in science, medicine, and philosophy. The Abbasids also established a strong bureaucracy and implemented a system of taxation and governance that allowed for efficient administration of their vast territories.

However, the Abbasid Caliphate eventually faced internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to its decline. Regional governors gained more power, and the caliphs became figureheads with limited authority. The empire also faced invasions from various groups, including the Mongols, who sacked Baghdad in 1258, effectively ending the Abbasid Caliphate.

Despite its eventual downfall, the Abbasid Caliphate left a lasting impact on Islamic civilization. Its cultural and intellectual achievements influenced subsequent Islamic empires and contributed to the preservation and transmission of knowledge during the Middle Ages.