Muslim Technology on the Iberian Peninsula and Western Europe

The Moorish presence on the Iberian Peninsula lasted from 711 C.E. until 1492 C.E. While the rest of Europe wallowed in the Dark Ages, in Islamic Spain the flame of knowledge was kept burning by the Muslim invaders. While they possessed a vast body of knowledge in their own right; furthermore, they also posses writing from Greek philosophers as well as the library at Alexandria. Christians, Muslims, and Jews thrived under Muslim rule, exchanging ideas and knowledge that would be passed on to the rest of Europe during and after the Reconquista. It is my opinion that this knowledge and technology led Europe into the renaissance. The Damascene technique of metal-smithing, industrial chemistry and the water clock are some examples of the technology passed on.

Damascus steel is characterized by water like patterns and an unmatched resiliency. The Damascene technique of sword-smithing originated in Damascus, Syria in approximately 300 B.C.E. and is thought to be a result of using Wootz iron ingots imported from India. Others believe that is a result of “pattern welding” in which two or more types of metal are forge-welded together and then twisted to form a pattern rather than folding. The Damascene technique was thought to be lost in the mid 1700’s; however, during the Middle Ages Toledo blacksmiths produced some of the finest sword and knives using the pattern welding technique. According to Graeme Young of the Bamburgh Research Project, “ Weapons were highly prized and weaponry making was a jealously guarded secret. Great care would be taken to ensure the loyalty of their weapons smiths” (Northumberland Gazette). This may be the reason the technique was thought to have been lost. Damascus and Toledo steel were said to be able to be ...

... middle of paper ...

...re already present; however, the Moors introduced precision and technology that led to mechanical clocks. Where would the Western world be today had not Spain been conquered by the Moors? Perhaps there would have been no Renaissance, or maybe medical discoveries would have been set 100 years. I, for one, am glad that there was a time that Muslims, Christians and Jews could live together in peace and prosperity.

Works Cited

Al Hassan, Ahmad Y., and Donald R. Hill. "Pg. 58&59." Islamic Technology: An Illustrated History. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1986. Print.

Husain, Muzzafar. Islams Contribution to Science. New Dehli: Anmol Publications PVT., 2004. Print.

"Unique Castle Sword Found in a Suitcase." Http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/local-news/unique_castle_sword_found_in_a_suitcase_1_1372598. Northumberland Gazette, 22 June 2006. Web. 26 Apr. 2011.