Here is a Complete chronological list of Umayyad Caliphs, spanning from the rise of Muawiya I in 661 CE to the fall of Marwan II, the last caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty, in 750 CE.

List of Umayyad Caliphs: (Name and Reign Only)

The total number of Umayyad caliphs was 14.

1. Muawiya I (661–680 CE) – معاوية بن أبي سفيان
2. Yazid I (680–683 CE) – يزيد بن معاوية
3. Muawiya II (683–684 CE) – معاوية بن يزيد
4. Marwan I (684–685 CE) – مروان بن الحكم
5. Abdul Malik (685–705 CE) – عبد الملك بن مروان
6. Al-Walid I (705–715 CE) – الوليد بن عبد الملك
7. Suleiman (715–717 CE) – سليمان بن عبد الملك
8. Umar II (717–720 CE) – عمر بن عبد العزيز
9. Yazid II (720–724 CE) – يزيد بن عبد الملك
10. Hisham (724–743 CE) – هشام بن عبد الملك
11. Al-Walid II (743–744 CE) – الوليد بن يزيد
12. Yazid III (744 CE) – يزيد بن الوليد
13. Ibrahim (744 CE) – إبراهيم بن الوليد
14. Marwan II (744–750 CE) – مروان بن محمد

Note:
Bin and Ibn: In Arabic, “bin” (بن) and “ibn” (ابن) both mean “son of.” For example, Muawiya bin Sufyan or Muawiya ibn Sufyan means “Muawiya, son of Sufyan.”

Caliphs of the Umayyad Dynasty: Key Achievements and Notable Events

The Umayyad Caliphs played a pivotal role in shaping the early Islamic empire, laying the groundwork for its political, cultural, and economic influence. To better understand their contributions, we can divide the caliphs of the Umayyad Dynasty into three phases: Early, Middle, and Late.

1. Early Umayyad Caliphs (661-705 CE)

The early Umayyad Caliphs played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations and expanding the Islamic Empire. This period was marked by significant achievements, administrative reforms, and consolidation of power.

Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan (661-680 CE)

Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and served as the governor of Syria under the Rashidun Caliphs. Muawiya became the first caliph of Umayyad Dynasty after the assassination of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Rashidun Caliph. He was a remarkable statesman, founding the city of Damascus as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and transforming it into the administrative heart of the empire. He laid the foundation for a centralized governance system, creating institutions that allowed the vast empire to function effectively. During his reign, the Islamic empire expanded into North Africa and Central Asia, consolidating its borders. A skilled strategist, Muawiya also established the first Islamic naval fleet, strengthening the empire’s maritime presence. His efforts to unite the Muslim community after the First Fitna, The first major civil war (656–661 CE) in Islamic history, triggered by disputes over the caliphate after the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan, solidified his legacy as a unifying leader.

Muawiya established the first hereditary succession system, ensuring stability and sparking debates about legitimacy.

Yazid ibn Muawiya (680-683 CE)   

The reign of Yazid ibn Muawiya, the son of Muawiya, was one of the most controversial periods in Islamic history. Yazid’s rule saw the outbreak of the Second Fitna, a civil war that deepened divisions within the Muslim community. The Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, which led to the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), occurred during this time. In 683 CE, Yazid ordered the siege of Medina, which led to widespread destruction and loss of life. These tragic events had a profound and lasting impact on the Islamic world, intensifying sectarian divides between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Yazid’s reign, while expanding the empire’s reach, remains a contentious chapter in the Umayyad history.

Muawiya II ibn Yazid (683-684 CE)

Muawiya II ibn Yazid succeeded his father Yazid. His reign was brief and troubled, lasting less than a year. A young and politically inexperienced ruler, Muawiya II faced immense challenges, including political instability and external threats. Disillusioned with the turmoil, he eventually abdicated, leaving the caliphate precarious.

Marwan ibn al-Hakam (684-685 CE)

Marwan ibn al-Hakam, a seasoned statesman and member of the Umayyad family, came to power during one of the most challenging periods in the Dynasty’s history. Marwan’s brief reign focused on reunifying the Umayyad territories after the chaos of the Second Fitna. His military acumen and strategic leadership helped suppress internal rebellions and reestablish control over key regions of the caliphate. Although his reign was short, Marwan laid the groundwork for his successors to restore the Umayyad Dynasty’s strength.

Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (685-705 CE)

Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, Marwan’s son, was a visionary leader. Abd al-Malik implemented far-reaching administrative reforms, including the introduction of Arabic as the official language of the empire. This linguistic unification fostered a sense of identity across the diverse caliphate. He also established the first Islamic currency, which became a symbol of economic independence and strength. Culturally, his reign saw the construction of the iconic Dome of the Rock (Qubbat al-Sakhra) in Jerusalem, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that remains a symbol of the empire’s grandeur. Abd al-Malik’s leadership marked a period of prosperity and stability, setting a high standard for the caliphs of Umayyad Dynasty who followed.

2. Middle Umayyad Caliphs (705–743 CE):

The Middle Umayyad Caliphs (705–743 CE) were characterized by remarkable territorial expansion and the consolidation of the empire’s administrative and cultural identity. This era saw the empire at its peak, with boundaries stretching across three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe, and significant developments in infrastructure, governance, and cultural expression.

Al-Walid I ibn Abd al-Malik (705-715 CE)

Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik, son of Abd al-Malik, presided over a time of unprecedented military conquests, which extended the Umayyad Caliphate’s borders to their greatest reach. Under his leadership, Islamic forces crossed into Spain (Al-Andalus) in 711 CE through Tariq ibn Ziyad’s campaigns, laying the groundwork for the Islamic presence in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) that would last for centuries. Simultaneously, campaigns in Central Asia, capturing key cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, and the Indian subcontinent in 711 CE brought new territories under Islamic rule, further expanding the caliphate’s influence. 

Al-Walid also emphasized the construction of Islamic monuments, including the renowned Great Mosque of Damascus, a masterpiece of Umayyad architecture. His reign symbolized the strength and ambition of the Umayyad Dynasty caliphs.

Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik (715-717 CE)

Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, son of Abd al-Malik, succeeded his brother Al-Walid. He ruled for a brief period but left his mark through important military initiatives. His focus on campaigns against the Byzantine Empire, particularly the failed siege of Constantinople in 717 CE, demonstrated the Umayyads’ determination to challenge the Eastern Roman Empire. Although his reign was short, Sulayman’s efforts maintained the empire’s momentum during a period of transition.

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (717-720 CE)

Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz is often regarded as the most pious and just ruler among the Umayyad caliphs, in contrast to his predecessors. Umar is known for his reforms and emphasis on justice. However, he is sometimes referred to as the “Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph” due to his adherence to Islamic principles of governance. Umar implemented policies to reduce corruption, improve taxation systems, reduce the tax burden on non-Muslims, and promote equality among Muslims, including recent converts. His commitment to fairness and governance earned him admiration from both contemporaries and later historians.

Yazid II ibn Abd al-Malik (720-724 CE)

During the reign of Yazid II ibn Abd al-Malik, the empire experienced a period of relative peace and stability. While his rule lacked the dramatic events of his predecessors, it allowed the empire to consolidate its gains and focus on internal administration. Yazid’s leadership contributed to the continuity of the empire’s growth.

Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik (724-743 CE)

The last significant ruler of this period was Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, often considered the final great caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty. His long reign was marked by economic prosperity, with the caliphate reaching its zenith in terms of wealth and stability. Hisham also achieved notable military successes, including campaigns in France, where Islamic forces famously clashed with the Franks at the Battle of Tours in 732 CE. While the battle was a setback, it underscored the far-reaching ambition of the Umayyad military.

3. Latter Umayyad Caliphs (743–750 CE):

The latter Umayyad Caliphs were marked by political incapability, internal divisions, and a weakening hold on power. This period saw four caliphs in six years, each struggling to maintain control. Internal rebellions, dissatisfaction with Umayyad rule, and the growing strength of opposition forces, particularly the Abbasids, hastened the Dynasty’s downfall. 

Al-Walid II ibn Yazid (743-744 CE)

Al-Walid II ibn Yazid came to the throne at a time when the Umayyad Caliphate was already experiencing significant internal unrest. His reign was notably short and troubled, lasting only a little over a year. His leadership was marked by a lack of political acumen and unpopular policies. 

Al-Walid II was widely criticized for his extravagance and indulgence and for failing to address the growing dissatisfaction among the military and provincial governors. His reign was marked by constant strife, and he faced increasing opposition from within the Umayyad elite. Ultimately, his unpopularity led to his assassination in 744 CE, further deepening the political crisis within the empire.

Yazid III ibn al-Walid (744 CE)

Yazid III ibn al-Walid’s reign, though similarly brief, was a continuation of the turmoil that had begun under Al-Walid II. Yazid III’s leadership proved weak and ineffective in ascending to the throne after Al-Walid II’s assassination. The caliphate was in disarray, and Yazid struggled to hold the loyalty of his army and the support of the people. His reign, lasting only a few months, was marked by further political instability, with factions vying for power and the once-unified Umayyad empire growing increasingly fragmented. Due to his inability to effectively address the challenges facing the caliphate, Yazid III’s reign ended in little more than a year, leaving the empire in further disarray.

Ibrahim ibn al-Walid (744 CE)

Similarly, Ibrahim ibn al-Walid, who assumed the caliphate after the death of Yazid III, had an equally brief and tumultuous reign. Serving more as a figurehead than a decisive leader, Ibrahim could do little to counter the growing challenges faced by the Dynasty. His reign epitomized the state of decline that had set in as factionalism and rebellion tore at the foundations of Umayyad rule.

Marwan II ibn Muhammad (744–750 CE)

Marwan II ibn Muhammad was the last Umayyad caliph, and his reign symbolized the final attempt to preserve the once-mighty Umayyad Caliphate. Ascending to power amidst chaos in 744 CE, Marwan II faced a collapsing empire beset by internal divisions, rebellions, and external threats.

Despite being a capable military leader, Marwan II struggled to maintain control over the fracturing caliphate. His reign was marked by a series of civil wars and tribal conflicts that drained the empire’s resources and undermined its unity. The loyalty of various provinces, including Khorasan and Iraq, was increasingly eroded as local leaders and factions rose in rebellion against Umayyad rule.

The most significant challenge came from the Abbasid Revolution, led by Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah. This revolution gained widespread support among discontented groups, including Persian converts (mawali), Shiites, and those unhappy with the perceived favouritism of the Umayyad administration. The Abbasid forces, under the leadership of Abu Muslim in Khorasan, launched a decisive revolt that culminated in the Battle of the Zab in 750 CE.

Marwan II’s forces were decisively defeated at the Battle of the Zab, marking the end of the Umayyad rule in the Islamic heartlands. Marwan fled but was eventually captured and executed, solidifying the rise of the Abbasid Dynasty.

Though the Umayyad Caliphate fell, its legacy endured. A branch of the family fled to Spain under the leadership of Abd-ar-Rahman ad-Dakhil, where they established the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba. This ensured that the Umayyad name and influence would continue for centuries in the Western Islamic world.

Conclusion

The Umayyad Caliphate, spanning 89 years from Muawiya I to Marwan II, played a pivotal role in shaping Islamic history. The list of Umayyad Caliphs showcases the rulers who oversaw the rapid expansion of the Islamic empire, spreading its influence from Spain in the west to the Indus Valley in the east. The Dynasty’s rulers established a foundation for Islamic governance, culture, and infrastructure that would shape the future of the Muslim world.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Hugh Kennedy. The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates: The Islamic Near East from the 6th to the 11th Century.
2. Khalid Yahya Blankinship. The End of the Jihad State: The Reign of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and the Collapse of the Umayyads. 
3. Albert Hourani. A History of the Arab Peoples. 
4. Julius Wellhausen. The Arab Kingdom and Its Fall. 
5. Lapidus, Ira M. A History of Islamic Societies.
6. Andrew Marsham. The Umayyad World
7. G. R Hawting. The First Dynasty of Islam: The Umayyad Caliphate AD 661-750