The Eclipse of the Abbasid Caliphate

work by Ibn Miskawayh

Also known as: “Kitāb tajarīb al-umam wa taʾaqub al-ḥimam”

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June 17, 2026

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The "Eclipse of the Abbasid Caliphate" is the English translation of the universal history Kitāb tajārib al-umam wa taʿāqub al-ʿimam by the Persian scientist, philosopher, and historian Ibn Miskawayh. Written around 1030 CE, this work is noted for its comprehensive use of available sources and its moral instruction derived from the history of peoples.1

The Abbasid caliphate, the second great dynasty of the Muslim empire, reigned from 750 CE until its destruction by the Mongol invasion in 1258 CE. Ibn Miskawayh's history covers the period of the Abbasids, a dynasty that shifted the empire's focus eastward, establishing its capital in Baghdad and incorporating Persian traditions of government. His work is significant for its historical methodology and its influence on later Islamic thinkers.21

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Ibn Miskawayh
Margoliouth, The Eclipse of the Abbasid Caliphate, 1921), was noted for its use of all available sources and greatly stimulated the development of Islamic historiography.
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Margoliouth, The Eclipse of the Abbasid Caliphate, 1921), was noted for its use of all available sources and greatly stimulated the development of Islamic historiography.
Read More