Harun al-Rashid was the fifth caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, ruling from 786 to 809 and known for a prosperous reign characterized by growth in science, culture, and the arts. He is famously depicted in the tales of 'One Thousand and One Nights' and is remembered for his friendships and patronage towards scholars. Born in 765 in Persia, he died during an expedition in 809, leaving a legacy that impacted literature and history.