1-152-454 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Scholars in the Abode of Wisdom, a science academy, Baghdad, Iraq, 14th century. Between the 8th and 13th centuries, Baghdad was a large wealthy city and one of the foremost centres of learning of the Islamic world. In 1258 Baghdad was sacked by the Mongols, who destroyed large areas of the city and reputedly massacred some 800,000 of its inhabitants. Courtesy Iraq Petroleum Company.