The Umayyad as a dynasty that controlled the Arab emprire from 661 to 750. The Umayyad were by origin an important clan from Mecca who became the most important clan in the Islamic world, and altogether brought forth fourteen ruling caliphs. Their capital was Damascus. When the Umayyad were overthrown by the Abbasid, prince Abd al-Rahman fled to Spain and the Umayyad dynasty continued in Cordoba until 1027.