Question

“The crusades facilitated the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge”. Elaborate with examples.

Answer 1

Instructions:

1. It should have 5-8 points.
2. We will mention the exchange of knowledge that took place during this period.
3. Mention the transfer of technology such as the use of numbers, mechanical inventions, and improvements in navigation.

Solution:

Since the traders and other merchants were travelling extensively between the east and the west during the ages of the crusades. It allowed for a flow of not just trade but even scientific ideas which went on to change the course of civilisations across the world. Some of these contributions are as follows:

• The Arabs shared numerals and zero picked from India, with the rest of Europe.
  
• Arabs were the inventors of subjects such as Algebra and optics and even helped make instruments which were used for making telescopes as well.
  
• Arabs also helped make clocks and gears.
  
• They introduced the concept of street lighting and waste management systems in cities of Europe.
  
• Arabs introduced the world to Chinese gunpowder and the mariner’s compass which significantly changed navigation and war fare across Europe.

Therefore this exchange of ideas helped in the emergence of the modern world and provided a base for industrial and scientific progress across Europe as well.