Umayyad Caliphate

Definition

The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of the four major caliphates established after the death of Muhammad. It ruled from 661 to 750 AD, and its territory extended across North Africa, Spain, Persia, and India.

Related terms

Caliph: A political and religious leader in Islam who is considered a successor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

Abbasid Caliphate: The third caliphate to succeed Prophet Muhammad. They overthrew the Umayyads in 750 AD.

Jizya: A per capita yearly tax historically levied on non-Muslim subjects under Islamic rule.