Renowned primarily as a poet, his most celebrated work, the "Rubaiyat," features a collection of quatrains that explore themes of love, existence, and the fleeting nature of life. Khayyam’s insights into the human condition, coupled with his mastery of language, have resonated through the ages, influencing countless thinkers and writers across cultures.

Beyond his literary achievements, he made significant advancements in mathematics, particularly in algebra, and accurately calculated the length of the solar year. Khayyam's dual legacy as both a scholar and a poet highlights the rich interplay between science and art in the medieval Islamic world, solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in the history of literature and intellectual thought.