Abbasid

Abbasid, dynasty of Arab caliphs (749–1258) descended from Abbas (d. 653), uncle of Muhammad. The early years of Abbasid rule were marked by prosperity and strong government; they reached their high-water mark with the reign of the fifth caliph, Harun-Rashid (764–809). The dynasty was finally overthrown by Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, who sacked Baghdad in 1258.

See also: Muslims.