The Mystery of the Roundest City in History

Summary

This video delves into the mystery of Baghdad's legendary 'round city,' a city once envisioned by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur in 762. Despite being described in various historical sources, no archaeological evidence confirms its existence. The city was designed as a symbol of peace and grandeur, but the reality was far more complex. Over time, urban sprawl and neglect led to its downfall, with the Mongol invasion of 1258 marking a significant turning point. Yet, the legacy of this city lives on, shaping the culture and ideas that influenced the Western Renaissance and modern world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Baghdad was once known as the 'City of Peace' and was a thriving center of trade, science, and mathematics in the Islamic world.
• 😀 The city's origins date back to 762 AD, when Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur chose Baghdad as the capital of the Islamic Empire.
• 😀 Al-Mansur designed the city as a circular structure with walls and gates, a layout that has been mythologized but lacks archaeological evidence.
• 😀 Despite its rich history, modern-day Baghdad no longer has remnants of the original circular city built by Al-Mansur.
• 😀 The city was a cultural crossroads, home to Arabs, Persians, and Turks, with diverse neighborhoods including Christians and Jews.
• 😀 The Abbasid Caliphate under Al-Mansur marked a golden age for Islamic scholarship, with advances in medicine, mathematics, and science.
• 😀 Although the city's circular design was iconic, it was not intended to be permanent and expanded beyond its original boundaries during Al-Mansur's reign.
• 😀 Baghdad faced crises, including invasions and the natural decay of sun-baked brick buildings, which contributed to the city's eventual decline.
• 😀 In 1258, the Mongols sacked Baghdad, marking the end of the city's prominence and the Abbasid Caliphate.
• 😀 While the circular city disappeared, its cultural legacy persisted, influencing both the Islamic world and the Western Renaissance through its scholarly work.
• 😀 The memory of the original round city continues to be celebrated and remembered across time, despite the lack of direct archaeological proof of its full existence.

Q & A

What was Baghdad originally known as?

Baghdad was originally known as 'Medina al-Salam,' which means 'City of Peace.'

What was unique about the design of Baghdad's city layout during the Abbasid Caliphate?

The city of Baghdad was designed as a round city with double circular walls, a moat, and four gates evenly distributed around the city. It was meant to be a central, organized, and defensible capital.

Who was the leader responsible for the founding of Baghdad and its round city design?

The leader responsible for the founding of Baghdad and its round city design was the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur.

Why was the location of Baghdad chosen for its capital?

Baghdad was chosen for its strategic location along the Tigris River, which connected it to major trade routes. Al-Mansur believed it was centrally located between the empire's territories, allowing easy access to goods and resources from regions like China, Syria, and Armenia.

What event led to the decline of Baghdad's round city and its eventual destruction?

The decline of Baghdad's round city was caused by several factors, including the Mongol invasion in 1258, which led to the city's pillaging and significant loss of life. Additionally, urban sprawl and the decline of the Abbasid Empire contributed to its fall.

What was the significance of the Caliph's palace in the city?

The Caliph's palace in the round city was the central structure, featuring a 36-meter-high dome. It housed the Caliph's administrative buildings and military barracks. The palace was the heart of the city and symbolized the power of the Abbasid Empire.

What technological advancements were made in Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate?

During the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad became a center for scientific and intellectual progress. Scholars translated and advanced classical texts in areas like mathematics, medicine, and natural sciences. This work laid the foundation for the Western Renaissance.

How did the circular city of Baghdad influence modern urban planning?

The circular design of Baghdad influenced urban planning by emphasizing a centralized layout with well-defined entrances and clear roadways. Although the physical city no longer exists, the concept of organized city planning and centralization remains influential.

Why is there so little archaeological evidence of Baghdad's round city?

The lack of archaeological evidence for Baghdad's round city is partly due to the city being built with sun-baked mud bricks, which require constant upkeep. Over time, these buildings crumbled, and urban sprawl expanded beyond the original circular city, further obscuring its remains.

What is the lasting legacy of the round city of Baghdad?

The legacy of Baghdad's round city lives on through the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Abbasid Caliphate. The scholars of Baghdad helped preserve and advance knowledge that later influenced the Western Renaissance, and the city's design and concept continue to inspire urban planning today.