Banu Umayyad

Banu Umayyad was a prominent Arab family that established the Umayyad Dynasty, the second Islamic caliphate, from 661 to 750 CE. They expanded the Islamic empire significantly, spreading across North Africa, Spain, and parts of Asia. The Banu Umayyad are known for their centralized political authority, administrative innovations, and cultural contributions. Their rule marked a shift from the spiritual leadership of the early caliphs to a more dynastic and political power. Despite their achievements, they faced criticism for their opulence and perceived favoritism, which eventually led to their decline and replacement by the Abbasid Dynasty.