Yazid ibn Muawiya was the second Umayyad caliph, ruling from 680 to 683 CE. He was the son of Muawiya I, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty. His reign is often marked by controversy, particularly due to the events surrounding the Battle of Karbala, where Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed. This event significantly impacted Islamic history and sectarian divisions. Yazid's rule faced opposition from various groups, leading to conflicts and uprisings. His leadership style and decisions contributed to the growing discontent among Muslims, which eventually played a role in the decline of the Umayyad dynasty.