In what historical era was the recognizable, perfected form of the astrolabe widely disseminated across the world?
Answer
The Islamic Golden Age
While the origins of the concept of the astrolabe can be traced back thousands of years, suggesting development during the Hellenistic era, the specific configuration of the instrument that became famous and widely used—the form recognized today—reached its peak refinement during the Islamic Golden Age. It was during this period that the instrument was perfected, engraved with great artistry, and disseminated broadly, finding applications in religious practice (like determining prayer times) and scholarly pursuits across vast geographical regions under Islamic influence.
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