Which civilizations’ texts were translated into Arabic as part of the Abbasid translation movement?

• A. Greek, Persian, and Indian works
• B. Latin works
• C. Chinese works
• D. Sub-Saharan African works

Answer: (A)

The movement was about bringing knowledge from multiple ancient centers into the Arabic-speaking world, especially through Baghdad’s House of Wisdom. Scholars translated Greek science, philosophy, and medicine; they also incorporated Persian treatises on astronomy, philosophy, and medicine; and Indian works on mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. This mix of Greek, Persian, and Indian sources created a rich cross-cultural foundation for Islamic science and helped transmit that knowledge onward to Europe later on. Other potential sources, like Latin, Chinese, or Sub-Saharan African texts, were not the primary focus of this translation effort.