History - what the Europeans learned from Arabs Flashcards
Why was Palestine called the Holy Land
Palestine was called the Holy Land by the Europeans because Jesus Christ had lived there.
List 9 things that the Arabs taught Europeans about
- Astrolabe
- Better maps
- Arabic numbers
- Fine steel for weapons
- Silks and cotton
- Carpets
- Glass mirrors
- Chess
- New foods and spices
Describe some things of science and mathematics which the Europeans learned from the Arabs.
Firstly, the Europeans copied the maps of the Arabs which were much better than their own.
Secondly, they learned about a ship’s compass and the astrolabe which helped sailors find their way at sea.
Thirdly, the Europeans began to use Arabic numbers, as they were much easier to use than difficult Roman numbers. They helped merchants with trading.
Lastly, the Europeans also learned how to make stronger steel for weapons.
What are some things Arabs showed to Europeans which made life better?
Firstly, Arabs showed Europeans carpets from Central Asia, silks from China, cotton cloth from India, glass mirrors, the first violins, games of chess and playing cards. They found out about new things to eat, suchs as apricots, lemons, rice and sugar. (Before this, Europeans used honey to make things sweet).
All these things made European nobles want to live in more comfortable homes instead of their cold, damp castles. They decided to spend their money on things which made life better.
Describe the architecture that the Arabs taught the Europeans
The Arabs built their castles in a circle. There were two or three rings of walls, one inside the other. This was because, if an enemy captured one wall, they would have to start again on the next one. Thus, these castles were much stronger than the European ones, and some nobles from the Crusade copied their tactic.
The Arabs also taught Europeans how to make wind-mills. Before this, the Europeans used water-mills, which had to be next to a river. Now they could place windmills anywhere.
