Definition

Noun: 1. A historical Arab dynasty: The Umayyad refers to the first hereditary dynasty of caliphs (Islamic rulers) in the Arab Islamic Empire, which succeeded the Rashidun Caliphate. Its capital was Damascus, and it ruled from 661 to 750 CE. 2. A period in Islamic history: The term also denotes the historical period and the civilization associated with the rule of this dynasty, known for significant territorial expansion and architectural achievements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Umayyad Caliphate expanded the Islamic empire from Spain to Central Asia.
  • Historians study the administrative systems established during the Umayyad.
  • The Great Mosque of Damascus is a famous Umayyad architectural monument.

Advanced Usage

• "Umayyad Caliphate": The specific term for the state and period of rule of the Umayyad dynasty.
  • The Umayyad Caliphate was eventually overthrown by the Abbasid Revolution.
• "Umayyad Spain" / "Al-Andalus": Refers to the continuation of the Umayyad dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula (756-1031 CE) after its fall in the East.
  • Córdoba flourished as the capital of Umayyad Spain.

Variants and Related Words

• Umayyads (plural noun): The members or rulers of the Umayyad dynasty.
  • The later Umayyads faced increasing internal rebellions.
• Umayyad-era (adjective): Used to describe artifacts, architecture, or events from that period.
  • This coin is an Umayyad-era artifact.
• Caliphate (noun): The Islamic form of government led by a caliph.
• Abbasid (noun): The dynasty that succeeded and overthrew the Umayyads.

Synonyms

• Omayyad: An alternative, less common spelling.
• Banu Umayya: The Arabic name for the Umayyad clan, meaning "Sons of Umayya."

Related Phrases

• "The Umayyad conquest of...": A common phrase used to describe the military expansions during their rule.
  • The Umayyad conquest of Hispania began in 711 CE.

Noun

1. the first dynasty of Arab caliphs whose capital was Damascus