Khalid ibn al-Walid

Timeline

1. 592–629Mecca · MeccaFrom the Makhzum clan of Mecca, famed in his youth for horsemanship and single combat; he inflicted heavy losses on the Muslim army at Uhud. After Mecca fell he converted to Islam and quickly joined the Muslim military cause.
2. 629–632Arabian Peninsula · Arabian PeninsulaAfter converting he gained Muhammad's trust, taking part in Mutah and the expeditions after the conquest of Mecca; his decisive command offset Muslim disadvantages in equipment and numbers, establishing his reputation as a first-rate early Islamic commander.
3. 632–638Syria and Iraq theater · LevantUnder Abu Bakr and Umar he led the external conquests after the Ridda wars: first campaigning in Iraq to defeat the Sasanian Persian army, then reinforcing Syria, where he defeated the Byzantine main force at the Yarmouk River, opening the Levant to permanent Muslim control; later dismissed by Umar as commander but retained in local office.
4. 638–642Homs · HomsAfter stepping down from supreme command he lived in Homs, Syria, no longer serving as front-line commander; he died of illness at Homs in 642 and was buried there, his tomb later becoming a pilgrimage site.