Middle East, a new dynasty seized control of one of the world’s greatest empires – the Islamic Caliphate. Though little remembered in the west today, the Abbasids reigned for five centuries. They ...

From grand cities to groundbreaking discoveries, the Abbasid Caliphate transformed the Islamic world. Yet, even the most powerful empires must face decline.

Inside the Abbasid palace of Baghdad, built in around 12th century. The caliphates (Islamic states) were governed by a caliph. They were the successors to Muhammad. The first major caliphate was ...