The Umayyad Caliphate was the first major Islamic dynasty, ruling from 661 to 750 CE. It expanded rapidly, stretching from Spain in the west to India in the east, and played a crucial role in the spread of Islam. The Umayyads established Arabic as the administrative language and promoted trade and culture across their vast empire. Under the Umayyads, significant architectural achievements were made, including the construction of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. However, their rule faced criticism for perceived excesses and the marginalization of non-Arab Muslims, leading to their eventual downfall and the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate.