What type of advances did Islamic culture bring to medieval Europe?

Islamic culture made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology during the medieval period, which had a profound impact on Europe. Scholars in the Islamic world preserved and expanded upon the knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as other civilizations. They excelled in disciplines such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and optics.

For instance, the development of algebra (with the term itself deriving from the title of a famous Islamic mathematician's work) and advancements in trigonometry were crucial for navigation and engineering, which would later support the Age of Exploration. In medicine, figures like Avicenna authored comprehensive texts that integrated knowledge from various cultures, influencing European medical practices significantly.

The translation movement during the 12th century played a key role in the transmission of this knowledge to Europe, where it helped to spur the Renaissance. The works of Islamic scholars laid the groundwork for future scientific inquiry and technological innovations in Europe, highlighting the importance of these contributions beyond the realm of mere information sharing.