Palestinian Tribes' Rebellion Against the Caliph and Subsequent Promises of Appeasement

In 744, a significant rebellion erupted among the Palestinian tribes against the ruling caliph. The caliph, recognizing the potential threat to his authority, sought to quell the unrest by offering various offices and benefits to the tribes. This strategy temporarily appeased the tribes and brought an end to the immediate conflict. However, the underlying tensions remained, and the tribes continued to harbor resentment towards the caliphate. The situation escalated further in 745 when Marwan II ascended to the caliphate, leading to another uprising in Syria. This rebellion proved to be more violent and required considerable bloodshed to suppress. In a show of force and as a punitive measure, Marwan II ordered the destruction of the city walls of Jerusalem, Damascus, and other cities, aiming to reassert control and deter future insurrections. These events highlight the ongoing struggles between the caliphate and local tribes, reflecting the complexities of governance and resistance during this tumultuous period in Islamic history.