The subsequent disruption contributed to the decline of the Rashidun Caliphate and, after a decade of infighting, the rise of the Umayyad dynasty in 661. But the Arab commanders learned that when an epidemic struck it was safest to remove their troops from the city to isolated highland or desert locations until the danger had passed. Similarly, the Umayyad Caliphs would retreat to the desert palaces and live like Bedouins during plague season.[71]
Islamic leaders seemed more aware at how to prevent infection. Their nomadic roots seemed to still influence their culture; therefore, it was natural, not cowardice, to reduce onself to a lesser state for future preservation.
