Amr ibn al-As

Timeline

1. c. 583–629Mecca · MeccaFrom the Sahm clan of Mecca, he opposed Islam in his early years; he converted around the fall of Mecca, and through family connections and political acumen quickly entered the Muslim leadership, becoming a figure of both military and diplomatic talent.
2. 629–640Palestine and Syria · LevantTook part in Byzantine campaigns in Palestine, Syria and elsewhere, operating alongside generals such as Khalid; renowned for his quick wit and eloquence, he played important roles both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table, accumulating experience for later leading armies west into Egypt.
3. 640–664Fustat (near Cairo) · FustatIn 640 he led his army into Egypt, capturing Alexandria and elsewhere after resistance from Byzantine garrisons, and ordered the establishment of Fustat on the east bank of the Nile as the Arab administrative center; he then governed Egypt for a long period, supporting Muawiya during the Fitna, making Egypt a secure granary and source of troops for the Umayyad regime.