The Umayyad Period (661-750 CE) was a significant era in Islamic history, marked by the expansion of the Islamic empire. It began with the rule of the first Umayyad caliph, Muawiya I, who established the capital in Damascus. The Umayyads expanded their territory, reaching as far as Spain in the west and India in the east, promoting trade and cultural exchange. During this period, the Umayyads implemented administrative reforms and standardized the Arabic language across their empire. They also commissioned impressive architectural projects, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. However, their rule faced criticism for perceived favoritism and the exclusion of non-Arab Muslims, leading to eventual unrest and the rise of the Abbasid revolution.