Marwanids

The Marwanids were a prominent Arab dynasty that ruled over the caliphate from 684 to 750 CE. They were named after Marwan ibn al-Hakam, the fourth Umayyad caliph. The Marwanid period is largely synonymous with the Umayyad Caliphate, as they were the ruling family during this entire era. Their reign began amidst the Second Fitna, a period of civil war and political instability following the death of the second Umayyad caliph, Mu'awiya I. Marwan ibn al-Hakam was able to consolidate power and re-establish Umayyad authority.

The Marwanid caliphate saw significant expansion of the Islamic empire, reaching its greatest territorial extent. Campaigns extended into North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and Central Asia. This era was also characterized by major administrative reforms and the Arabization of the bureaucracy. Arabic became the official language of administration, and a unified coinage was introduced. However, the Marwanids also faced internal dissent, including challenges from the Kharijites and the growing Abbasid movement. The dynasty's rule eventually ended with the Abbasid Revolution in 750 CE, which led to the overthrow of the Umayyads and the establishment of the Abbasid Caliphate. Despite their eventual downfall, the Marwanid era left a lasting impact on the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the Islamic world.