Mu’awiya I

Mu'awiya I was the founder and first caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate, ruling from 661 until his death. He became caliph less than thirty years after the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and immediately after the four Rashidun caliphs. Unlike his predecessors, who had been close, early companions of Muhammad, Mu'awiya was a relatively late follower of Muhammad.

Connection to Damascus

Made Damascus the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate in 661; ruled from there until his death; established Damascus as the center of Islamic power.

Known for

Founder of the Umayyad Caliphate; made Damascus the capital of the Islamic world.