Which statement best describes the effects of the Mongol invasions on large cities such as Baghdad?

The statement that the Mongol invasions resulted in the destruction of significant knowledge centers is accurate because the invasions led to widespread devastation in cities like Baghdad. In 1258, the Mongols, under Hulagu Khan, captured Baghdad, which was then a flourishing center of learning, culture, and trade in the Islamic world. The Mongol forces sacked the city, destroying libraries, mosques, and schools that housed invaluable texts and knowledge. As a consequence, much of the intellectual and cultural advancements made during the Islamic Golden Age were severely set back, and significant knowledge was permanently lost. This destruction marked a pivotal moment in history, impacting not only the region's scholarly achievements but also its cultural identity.

The other choices do not align with the historical context of the invasions. While trade and cultural exchange did increase in certain areas under the Mongol Empire, the immediate effects of their invasions were characterized by violence and destruction, particularly in cities like Baghdad. The invasions did not fortify the power of local rulers; rather, they overthrew existing powers and led to the establishment of Mongol control. Lastly, the assertion that they established long-lasting peace among rival factions does not hold true, as the invasions initially caused chaos