Muawiya I, or Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, is the founder of the Umayyad Caliphate. He was the first Umayyad Caliph from 661 to 680 CE. Muawiya ascended to the throne following the assassination of the fourth Rashidun Caliph, Ali. A peace treaty was signed with Hasan, the son of Ali. Muawiya made Damascus the capital of the Caliphate and hereditary succession an important part of the Caliphate.