INSCRIPTIONS BENEATH THE PALACE OF HISHAM IBN ISMA'IL
A Umayyad Trace Engraved in Stone.
The Umayyad Palace
Hisham ibn Isma'il al-Makhzumi was an Umayyad governor of Medina during the reign of Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (685-705 CE) and his son al-Walid I. He was appointed governor around 82 AH (701 CE).
He built a palace in the agricultural area of Medina, the remnants and some inscriptions of which have been preserved.
Why Inscriptions
During the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, governors had their names engraved on the buildings they constructed. This served as both a political propaganda act, a dating for posterity, and a means of memory for future generations.
The inscriptions beneath the palace of Hisham ibn Isma'il are valuable for archaeologists because they allow for precise dating of the Umayyad phase of urbanization in Medina.
The Historical Context
Hisham ibn Isma'il was a controversial governor. Classical chroniclers describe him as harsh towards the inhabitants. When Caliph al-Walid I ascended to the throne, he dismissed him from his position and publicly humiliated him.
His palace remained standing after him, a silent testimony to a time when Medina was governed from Damascus by the Umayyads, far from the spirit of prophetic simplicity.
Note of Sincerity
This site is post-prophetic and has no connection to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ or his companions.