The Umayyad Dynasty was the first major Islamic caliphate, ruling from 661 to 750 CE. It was established after the death of the Prophet Muhammad and marked a period of significant territorial expansion. The dynasty's capital was in Damascus, and it oversaw the spread of Islam across North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and parts of Central Asia. The Umayyads are known for their administrative innovations and the establishment of Arabic as the official language of the empire. They also built impressive architectural structures, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. However, their rule faced criticism for perceived secularism and favoritism, leading to their eventual downfall.