The numerous scientific, mathematical and medical advancements in the Empire of Islam during the Abbasid dynasty in the capital Baghdad made Islam one of the most influential intellectual empires. . The House of Wisdom brought scholars from all over to Baghdad where they were able to make new innovations that would influence surrounding regions such as Europe and China. These many achievements showed the progression of history as the Islamic Empire thrived in knowledge and shared it with all those it came into contact with. New discoveries in mathematics, science, and medicine made during the Abbasid dynasty influenced the European Renaissance and affected the world as we know it today. Baghdad was a thriving city of culture and was the capital of the Islamic Empire during its golden age under the Abbasid dynasty. Dynasty. Unlike previous militaristic Umayyad rulers, the Abbasids had focused on maintaining the empire. The capital moved from Damascus to Baghdad, accessible by the Tigris and Euphrates as well as the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. Its location made it ideal for trade along the Silk Roads and maritime trade. Caravans traveled the routes with goods that were traded to China where they imported silk and porcelain (Stearns). Islam expanded the Silk Roads, helping to promote trade and a stable economy. Trade routes not only helped spread goods, but also brought Islamic culture and knowledge to different parts of the world. These empires benefited each other as new ideas led to innovations and advancements. This period was a time of expansion, distant trade and, above all, the development of knowledge and education. One of the most important elements of wisdom, Muslim scholars made great discoveries that would influence everyone they came into contact with. They spread their knowledge and the goods they traded and expanded their thriving empire. The Islamic Empire demonstrates how much the achievements of humans and their expansion in knowledge, that history is a story of progress. Works Cited Al-Hassani, Salim TS. 1001 inventions, the lasting legacy of Muslim civilization. 3rd ed. Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, Print. Lyons, Jonathan`. The House of Wisdom. New York: Bloomsbury Press, 2009. Print. Savage-Smith, Emilie. “Medieval Islam.” Islamic medical manuscripts at the National Library of Medicine. No. Internet. .Stearns, Peter N. “Islam from the beginning to 1300.” . Np, January 1, 2002. Web. . .