Umayyad Dynasty (661-750 CE) (jan 1, 661 – jan 1, 750)
Description:
The Umayyads greatly expanded the size of the caliphate and established sound administrative practices, but tended to favor Arabs over non-Arabs. They were criticized for ruling the caliphate as if they were kings, not leaders of a religious community with authority as a divine trust. At a critical time in the development of Islam, the Umayyads at Damascus ensured the new faith’s survival while their later rule in Spain remains an outstanding example of Muslims living in positive exchange with Christians and Jews and of an intellectual flowering that remains of significance today. The Umayyad Caliphate became one of the largest unitary states in history and one of the few states to ever extend direct rule over three continents while spreading Islam.Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 661
jan 1, 750
~ 89 years