The Round City of Baghdad c.900AD: Interpretations

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
4 questions
~8 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of Baghdad's Round City around 900 AD. Students will compare contrasting views from historians and evaluate the most convincing perspective.

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The Round City of Baghdad c.900AD: Interpretations

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historians' Views on Baghdad's Round City

Historian A: Jane Smith – Economic Perspective

"Jane Smith argues that Baghdad's Round City was primarily designed for economic efficiency. She emphasizes its strategic layout, the proximity of markets, and the ease of trade and movement within the city. Smith suggests that the design reflects Baghdad’s role as a thriving commercial hub, facilitating internal and external trade, which contributed significantly to its prosperity and influence during the 10th century. Her view highlights the city's economic importance and demonstrates how urban design serves economic purposes."

Historian B: Ahmed Al-Rashid – Social Perspective

"Ahmed Al-Rashid contends that the Round City was a symbol of social and political power. He emphasizes its impressive walls, the central palace, and the division of spaces for different social classes. Al-Rashid believes the city’s architecture was meant to project strength, order, and authority, reflecting the Caliph’s power and the social hierarchy. His perspective suggests that the city’s layout was a statement of political control and social structure rather than purely economic considerations."

B

Question 1

Summarize each historian's view of Baghdad's Round City. (4 marks)

1.
Explain the main argument of Historian A about Baghdad's Round City.
[2 marks]
2.
Explain the main argument of Historian B about Baghdad's Round City.
[2 marks]
C

Question 2

Compare the reasons why the two historians have different views about Baghdad's Round City. (4 marks)

1.
Compare why Historian A and Historian B interpret the purpose of the city differently.
[3 marks]
D

Question 3

Analyse which historian’s view you find more convincing and explain why. (6 marks)

1.
Evaluate which perspective—economic or social—best explains the purpose of Baghdad's Round City.
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet