Science·Abbasid
Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) Established
- Date
- 830 CE215 AH1,196 years ago
- Place
- Baghdad
- People
- Al-Ma'mun, Hunayn ibn Ishaq
The Bayt al-Hikmah, or House of Wisdom, was a library and translation center in Baghdad. Its work is traditionally linked to Caliph al-Ma'mun, who ruled from 813 to 833 CE. Scholars there translated Greek, Persian and Indian works into Arabic, including texts on medicine, astronomy and mathematics. Hunayn ibn Ishaq was among the most important translators. The exact origins and organization of the institution are debated.
Why it matters
Translations of Greek and other works preserved and expanded scientific knowledge, and later reached Europe through Spain and Sicily.