The Battle of Marj Ardabil occurred in a time when the Umayyad Caliphate was expanding its influence into Central Asia and the Caucasus region. The Khazars, a powerful Turkic people, were directly challenged by Umayyad advances, leading to escalating tensions. The confrontation reached its climax at Marj Ardabil, where al-Jarrah ibn Abdallah al-Hakami led a sizable Umayyad contingent to claim dominance over the area. The Khazars, leveraging their local knowledge and swift cavalry tactics, mounted a well-coordinated defense that ultimately overwhelmed the Umayyad forces.

In the battle, the Umayyads faced unexpected resistance, and although they were a formidable army, they struggled against the Khazar tactics and the determination of the local fighters. The death of al-Jarrah ibn Abdallah al-Hakami not only demoralized his troops but also signified a critical blow to Umayyad aspirations in the region. The Khazars' victory at Marj Ardabil brought a halt to further Umayyad incursions into Khazar territory and established their reputation as powerful adversaries in military engagements.

This battle significantly impacted the geopolitical landscape of the period. The Khazars emerged emboldened, effectively stalling Umayyad expansion efforts into their lands. It also showcased the resilience of local powers against established empires, leading to a reevaluation of military strategies among both the Khazars and Umayyad leaders. Communications and alliances were pursued differently following this defeat, as both sides adapted to the new balance of power in the region.