Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood

Baghdad: City of Peace, City of Blood traces the complete history of one of the world's most significant cities, from its founding in 762 CE through modern times. Author Justin Marozzi chronicles the major periods, rulers, invasions, and transformations of Baghdad across thirteen centuries. The narrative moves through the golden age of the Abbasid caliphate, the Mongol conquest, Ottoman rule, British occupation, and into the modern era of Saddam Hussein and beyond. Marozzi draws on extensive research and firsthand observations from his time living in Baghdad to construct this comprehensive account. Life in Baghdad emerges through descriptions of its markets, mosques, palaces, and people - from caliphs and scholars to merchants and soldiers. The book examines how Baghdad maintained its role as a center of commerce, learning, and power despite cycles of prosperity and devastation. This history reveals enduring patterns in Baghdad's story: the tension between cultural achievement and violent upheaval, the influence of foreign powers, and the resilience of a city that has been both a beacon of civilization and a battleground for competing forces.

Readers find this book offers deep historical detail while remaining engaging and readable. Many note it provides valuable context about Baghdad's cycles of prosperity and destruction over 1300 years. Positives: - Clear chronological structure - Vivid descriptions of daily life across different eras - Balance of scholarly research and storytelling - Strong coverage of lesser-known periods Negatives: - Some sections move slowly due to dense historical detail - A few readers wanted more coverage of art/architecture - Limited maps and visual aids - Focus on rulers/politics over common people Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (238 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (92 ratings) Reader quote: "Marozzi brings Baghdad's complex history to life through character-driven narratives rather than dry facts." - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "Too much emphasis on the violent aspects of the city's past at the expense of cultural achievements." - Amazon reviewer

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🏛️ Though founded in 762 CE as the capital of the Abbasid Empire, Baghdad was built near the site of several earlier settlements dating back to at least 1800 BCE. 🗡️ During the 1258 Mongol siege of Baghdad, the invaders created a pyramid of 40,000 human skulls outside the city walls as a terror tactic against the defenders. 📚 Author Justin Marozzi spent several years living in Baghdad while researching the book, including during periods of significant conflict in the early 2000s. 🌟 At its peak in the 9th century, Baghdad was the largest city in the world with nearly a million inhabitants and was considered the greatest center of learning in the medieval world. 🏆 The book won the prestigious Ondaatje Prize from the Royal Society of Literature in 2015, awarded to works that best evoke the spirit of a place.