Umayyad ?

The Umayyad Caliphate was a powerful Islamic dynasty that ruled over a vast empire from 661 to 750 CE. It was founded by Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, who became the first Umayyad caliph after the assassination of Ali, the fourth caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.

The Umayyad Caliphate expanded rapidly, conquering territories in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Its capital was initially in Damascus, Syria, and later moved to the newly established city of Cordoba in Spain.

The Umayyads were known for their centralized rule and promotion of Arab culture and language. They also faced opposition from various groups, including the Shia Muslims who believed that the caliphate should be held by descendants of Ali.

The Umayyad Caliphate is often seen as a period of relative stability and prosperity, with advancements in architecture, art, and science. However, it also faced internal conflicts and revolts, particularly from non-Arab populations who felt marginalized under Umayyad rule.

The Umayyad Caliphate eventually fell in 750 CE when it was overthrown by the Abbasid dynasty, who established their own caliphate in Baghdad. Despite its downfall, the Umayyads left a lasting impact on Islamic history and culture.