Umayyad Dynasty (jan 1, 661 – sep 7, 750)

Description:

Arab expansion into the Maghreb. Starting of the Conquest of Muslim. Following the death of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W in 632, The Muslim conquest of North Africa continued even rapidly. The conquest of the Maghreb region took place largely under the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750). Furthermore, The Umayyad was founded by Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan in 661. Syria was the Umayyads’ main power base followed by Damascus as their capital. Afterwards, in 698, the Arabs had taken most of North Africa from the Byzantines. For example, Uqba Ibn Nafs and his 10,000 departed from Damascus and conquered Qayrawan. The area was divided into three provinces and each province had their own center government. Firstly, Egypt at al-Fustat. Secondly, Ifriqiya at Qayrawan, and the last one, Maghreb (modern Morocco) with its governor at Tangiers. Moreover Arab forces were able to capture Carthage in 698 and Tangiers by 708 under the army of Musa Ibn Nusayr after he replaced Uqba Ibn Nafs's position. Arab expansion and the spread of Islam into the Maghreb escalated the development of trans-Saharan trade. Although, restricted due to the cost and dangers, the trade was highly profitable. Under the rule of Umayyad Caliphate ended Christianity in Africa for several centuries.