8th Century

The word 'algebra' is derived from the Arabic term al-Jabr in the title of a book by Al-Khwarizmi. Through such works 'Arabic numerals', developed and enhanced from other civilisations such as the Indian, were passed on to Europe, as well as the use of the zero. The first part of al-Khwarizmi's book was translated into Latin in 1145 by Robert of Chester under the title Liber Algebrae et Almucabala.

Muslim merchants reached China in the 8th century and acquired the art of papermaking. By further developing the technique, they managed to produce paper on a large industrial scale. As the use of paper increased, vast numbers of books were produced. The industry spread further west eventually reaching Europe.

In the 8th century, Muslims brought chess to Spain and it spread to Western Europe. Haroon al-Rashid, the famous Muslim ruler, presented a chess set as well as one of the earliest clocks to Charlemagne.

By the 8th century botanical gardens could be found in Cordoba, Baghdad, Cairo and Fez. Numerous herbs and drugs were grown, experiments were conducted, and of course, they were places of relaxation and beauty as well.