Jobs in 900AD Baghdad | History of Early Civlisation | BBC Teach

This reality TV parody introduces AD900 Baghdad and the typical occupations for both men and women, touching on how women were respected but lacked influence in early Islamic society...

This reality TV parody introduces AD900 Baghdad and the typical occupations for both men and women, touching on how women were respected but lacked influence in early Islamic society. The Caliph’s uncompromising Grand Vizier seeks a new apprentice.

We meet:

Jamila: a slave from Baghdad

Yusuf: a market stallholder

Ishmail: a doctor

Maryam: a nurse

Mahmud: a teacher

They all give information about their current place in society and battle it out, against traditional expectations, to impress the king through a set of challenging tasks, which reflect the demands of the role Caliph Al-Mu’tadid is offering. It is a life-changing opportunity, but a harsh punishment threatens those who fail. This clip is from the BBC series History of Early Civilisations – Islam. Through parodies of reality TV shows, this series introduces different aspects of life in the Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900.