The Caliphs

Recent Episodes

Episode 31: Omar bin Abdulaziz

Posted September 26, 2021 • 00:26:52

Sulayman’s underwhelming time in charge ended with a twist, and Omar ibn Abdulaziz proved to be a real surprise. The famously pious Umayyad had a...

Episode 30: Suleiman bin Abdulmalik

Posted September 12, 2021 • 00:25:51

Suleiman is one of the least documented caliphs in our sources. His short reign proved popular despite its lack of achievement: all he did was live...

Episode 29: Unforced error

Posted August 29, 2021 • 00:21:54

If Walid’s reign was the zenith of Umayyad power, then his succession marked an inflection point through which we begin to see some cracks which may...

Episode 28: Walid bin Abdulmalik

Posted August 15, 2021 • 00:28:43

Although Abdulmalik was an incredibly tough act to follow, his successor was bequeathed an unassailably powerful position. The caliphate was ascendant,...

Episode 27: Imperial caliphate

Posted August 1, 2021 • 00:21:08

Having exhausted the many rebellions against his unpopular governor, we can finally turn our attention to assessing Abdulmalik’s leadership and the...