The Umayyad Caliphate was the first major Islamic caliphate, established after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 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 and Arabic culture. Under the Umayyads, the capital was moved to Damascus, and the caliphate became known for its administrative innovations and architectural achievements, including the famous Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. However, their rule faced challenges, leading to their eventual decline and the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 CE.