Yazid II, Umayyad caliph (b. 687)

Yazid ibn Abd al-Malik (Arabic: يزيد بن عبد الملك, romanized: Yazīd ibn ʿAbd al-Malik), prominently recognized as Yazid II, was a significant figure in early Islamic history and the ninth Umayyad Caliph. Born around 690 or 691 CE, he assumed the caliphal office on 9 February 720 CE and governed the vast Umayyad Caliphate until his death on 28 January 724 CE.

His relatively brief reign, spanning just over four years, was nonetheless impactful, marked by a series of political shifts, military engagements, and internal challenges that shaped the trajectory of the extensive Islamic empire, which at its peak stretched from the Iberian Peninsula to Central Asia.

Lineage and Ascent to the Caliphate

Yazid II was deeply rooted within the ruling Umayyad dynasty. He was the son of the influential fifth Umayyad Caliph, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (reigned 685–705 CE), who is often considered one of the most effective rulers of the dynasty, known for his administrative reforms and military successes. This esteemed lineage placed Yazid in a direct line of succession that had already seen two of his full brothers, Al-Walid I (reigned 705–715 CE) and Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik (reigned 715–717 CE), occupy the esteemed position of Caliph.

He succeeded his cousin, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz (Umar II), whose caliphate (717–720 CE) was distinguished by its profound emphasis on Islamic piety, justice, and widespread social and fiscal reforms, often earning him the moniker of a "righteous caliph." Yazid II's accession to power brought about a noticeable shift from Umar II's policies, as he often reverted to more traditional Umayyad administrative practices, which sometimes included the re-establishment of influence for certain tribal factions that had been marginalized during his predecessor's rule.

Key Aspects of Yazid II's Reign (720-724 CE)

The four years of Yazid II's rule were largely characterized by efforts to consolidate the empire's authority amidst ongoing internal discord and external military pressures. His caliphate saw several defining moments:

• The Rebellion of Yazid ibn al-Muhallab: One of the most critical domestic challenges faced by Yazid II was the massive rebellion led by Yazid ibn al-Muhallab in Iraq. The Muhallabids were a powerful and influential Arab family, particularly strong in Iraq and the eastern province of Khurasan. This widespread revolt, which posed a significant threat to Umayyad control in the east, was ultimately and decisively suppressed by the Caliph's forces, notably under the command of his formidable brother, Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik. This victory reaffirmed Umayyad authority but highlighted persistent tribal and political fragmentation within the caliphate.
• Persistent Military Campaigns: The Umayyad Caliphate remained a vast military power under Yazid II. On its extensive borders, military engagements continued against the Byzantine Empire in Anatolia. Crucially, the caliphate also maintained active defensive and offensive operations on the Caucasus frontier against the Khazars, a powerful Turkic semi-nomadic people, ensuring the security of the northern provinces. These campaigns were essential for maintaining the empire's territorial integrity and projecting its martial strength.
• Alleged Iconoclastic Edict: Yazid II's reign is notably, though controversially, associated with an alleged decree ordering the destruction of Christian images and sculptures within the Caliphate. While the exact scope, authenticity, and level of implementation of this "Iconoclastic Edict" remain subjects of scholarly debate among historians, if it indeed occurred as some sources suggest, it represents a significant, albeit potentially brief, policy affecting the religious practices of Christian communities within the empire, preceding the more widely known Byzantine Iconoclasm.

Death and Succession

Caliph Yazid II passed away on 28 January 724 CE, having ruled for just over four years. His death paved the way for the succession of his younger brother, Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik. Hisham's subsequent reign (724–743 CE) is often regarded as one of the longest and most stable periods of the Umayyad Caliphate, during which he focused on administrative consolidation and maintaining imperial stability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yazid II

Who was Yazid II in Islamic history?

Yazid II, officially known as Yazid ibn Abd al-Malik, was the ninth Caliph of the Umayyad dynasty, a powerful Islamic empire. He governed from 720 to 724 CE, succeeding his cousin, Umar II, and was a son of the notable Caliph Abd al-Malik.

When did Yazid II rule the Umayyad Caliphate?

He reigned for approximately four years, from his ascension on 9 February 720 CE until his death on 28 January 724 CE.

What were the main challenges during Yazid II's reign?

His rule was largely dominated by significant internal strife, particularly the major rebellion led by Yazid ibn al-Muhallab in Iraq. Additionally, the Umayyad Caliphate continued to face ongoing external military pressures from the Byzantine Empire and the Khazars on its borders.

Did Yazid II issue an Iconoclastic Edict?

Yazid II is historically associated with an alleged decree to destroy Christian images within the Caliphate. While its historical veracity and the extent of its implementation are debated among scholars, it is a notable event often attributed to his reign.