Answer
Hisham, the son of Abd al-Malik, succeeded Umar II as caliph in 724 CE. His reign marked a turning point in the Umayyad dynasty, as he shifted away from the pious and reformist policies of his predecessor and embraced a more worldly and expansionist approach. Hisham's rule was characterized by military conquests, administrative reforms, and cultural advancements, making him a significant figure in Islamic history.