The Arab Caliphates were a series of Islamic states that emerged after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. They were led by caliphs, who were considered both political and religious leaders. The first four caliphs, known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs, expanded the Islamic empire rapidly, spreading Islam across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. The most notable caliphates include the Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) and the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE). The Umayyads established their capital in Damascus, while the Abbasids moved it to Baghdad. These caliphates played a crucial role in the cultural, scientific, and economic development of the Islamic world.