The Umayyad Dynasty ruled the Islamic Caliphate from 660 to 750 CE, expanding the empire significantly. The Umayyad Caliphs conquered North Africa, Persia, Byzantine Empire, Spain, and Central Asia. They were successful military leaders and administrators who established an international postal system and standardized Arabic coinage and language. However, resentment grew due to their authoritarian rule as hereditary kings, favoring one tribe over others. This led to their eventual defeat and replacement by the Abbasid Dynasty in 750 CE.

1. UMAYYAD DYNASTY
Prepared by: Tahira Fatima

2. RIVALS FOR POWER
• Several caliphates
• Rivals for power
• Governor of Syria : Muawiyah
Ibn E Abu Sufyan
• Founder of Umayyad dynasty
• 660-750

3. UMAYYAD CALIPHS EXPAND THE EMPIRE
• First Arab king to have throne: Muahwiyah
• Army of Bedouins
• Conquered north Africa, Persian empire and byzantine empire
• Capital: Damascus
• 680: the new ruler Abdul Malik (muawiyah’s son)
• Abdul Malik built the famous dome of rock
• Captured the cities of Bukhara Samarkand in central Asia.
• Invaded Spain and expanded the territory

5. THE DOME OF ROCK
• Islamic shrine in Jerusalem
• Begun in 685 by Umayyad
• Precious stone used: sakrah
• 1 lac gold dinars to cover the
dome
• Restored in 1955 with the
help of government of
Jordan, turkey and Arabs.

6. WHY WERE UMAYYAD SUCCESSFUL RULERS?
• Good military leaders
• Good administrators
• International postal system
• Arabic coinage of gold and silver
• Spread of Arabic language
• Changed the official language

7. GREAT BUILDERS
• Established Muslim art and
architecture
• Build many building, hospitals and
mosques
• Two greatest achievements:
1. Great mosque of Damascus
2. Great mosque in Medina

8. Arts And Architecture

9. DEFEAT FOR UMAYYADS
• Year 717: Muslim armies were
less successful in battlefield
• Attack Constantinople and
suffered defeat.
• Also faced defeat in central
Asian region
• Year 732: defeated in France

10. THE FALL OF UMAYYAD DYNASTY
Why people weren’t happy with Umayyad rule?
• Power kept in the same family
• Stopped inviting people to Islam
• Ruled like kings
• Luxuries
• Quarreled amongst themselves
• Divided into tribes- discrimination

11. Recap

12. The new enemy!
• Abbasid were the new tribe that took over the rule from Umayyad

13. Important links
• For detailed understanding of the Umayyad dynasty
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rACWxttgqeA
• Recap video link :
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7ohY8O7mT0