Maslama was a son of Caliph Abd al-Malik and a brother to four successive caliphs. Though ineligible for the throne due to his mother's non-Arab origin, he became a top military leader.
He gained fame for his resilience and strategic skill during numerous raids into Byzantium and campaigns against the Khazars in the Caucasus.
His most ambitious mission was the massive land and sea siege of Constantinople (717โ718), where he faced the formidable defenses of Emperor Leo III.
Despite the failure of the siege due to Greek fire, harsh weather, and disease, Maslama remained a respected leader who helped maintain Umayyad military prestige.
In early Islamic traditions, he is often depicted with a legendary aura, sometimes associated with the building of a mosque inside Constantinople.