Caliph al-Walid I was the sixth Umayyad caliph, ruling from 705 to 715 CE. He is known for expanding the Islamic empire significantly, extending its territories into parts of North Africa, Spain, and Central Asia. His reign marked a period of prosperity and cultural development within the empire. Al-Walid I is also recognized for his architectural contributions, including the construction of the famous Great Mosque of Damascus and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. These projects reflected the wealth and power of the Umayyad dynasty and helped to promote Islamic culture and art during his rule.