foreign land. The Moslems did not discriminate. The Muslims permitted Christians, Jews, and other people to maintain their customs and religion. During the next five hundred years, the Moslem civilization expanded and surpassed the European civilization in every aspect. The Moslems accumulated great wealth and prestige. Conversely, Europe was unable to flourish. The Moslem world truly advanced from 750 to 1258 for various reasons. Moslems had merchants purchase carpets from Persia, silks from China, steel from Damascus, cotton from Egypt, leather from Morocco, spices and dyes from India, ivory, gold, and slaves from Africa, honey, wax, and white slaves from Russia. The Moslem's association with foreign countries contributed to their prosperous industry and commerce. The Moslems were deeply affected by the philosophy and science of Greece and India. Internally, the Moslems made great strides in medicine. Measles and small pox were identified. The Moslems established the first drugstores and schools of pharmacy. The Moslem's knowledge of mathematics was enhanced by their interaction with India. The Moslem civilization was the most advanced society in the world for five hundred years. Ultimately, the Moslem civilization failed to evolve and declined. By 1600, the Europeans had superseded the Moslems. The Moslems lacked unity. The crusades caused considerable destruction in the Middle East. From 1097 to 1291, the Christians in Europe became stronger. The Europeans eventually invaded Spain. The Mongols assumed control of the Moslem territories in the thirteenth century. Cities were destroyed and governments were abolished. Trade routes were unsafe. Eventually, all trading was terminated. Industry in the Muslim world was eliminated. An all water route connecting Europe and India was found in 1497. The Moslems failed to recognize the significance of such an achievement. The Europeans, on the other hand, took advanta...
