Historian A: Edward Gibbon – Cultural Preservation Perspective

'The House of Wisdom served as a vital center for the translation and preservation of Greek texts, ensuring that classical knowledge survived through turbulent times. Gibbon emphasizes the intellectual curiosity of the Abbasid caliphs and their commitment to learning, which helped transmit Greek philosophy, science, and literature to later generations. This institution symbolized a cultural renaissance that bridged Ancient Greece and the European Renaissance.'

Historian B: Albert Hourani – Political and Religious Perspective

'While the House of Wisdom did preserve Greek texts, its primary purpose was to reinforce Islamic religious and political authority. Hourani argues that many texts were selectively translated to support Islamic theology and governance. The focus was less on cultural heritage and more on consolidating power, with Greek texts serving as a resource for political legitimacy rather than purely for intellectual preservation.'