Ziyarid dynasty

Ziyarid dynasty
زیاریان
931–1090
Map of the Ziyarid dynasty, lighter blue shows their greatest extent for a small period of time.
Map of the Ziyarid dynasty, lighter blue shows their greatest extent for a small period of time.
CapitalIsfahan
(931–935)
Ray
(935–943)
Gorgan
(943–1035)
Amol
(1035–1090)[1]
Common languagesPersian
Gilaki
Tabari
Religion
Zoroastrianism & Islam
GovernmentMonarchy
King 
• 931–935
Mardavij (first)
• 1087–1090
Gilanshah (last)
Historical eraMiddle Ages
• Established
931
• Disestablished
1090
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Abbasid Caliphate
Samanid Empire
Alid dynasties of northern Iran
Nizari Ismaili state
Buyid dynasty

The Ziyarid dynasty (Persian: زیاریان) was an Iranian dynasty of Gilaki origin that ruled Tabaristan from 931 to 1090 during the Iranian Intermezzo period. The empire rose to prominence during the leadership of Mardavij. After his death, his brother Vushmgir and his Samanid allies led the dynasty in wrestling for control over territory against the Buyids in the early- to mid-10th century. When Vushmgir died, his sons Bisutun and Qabus fought for influence. Qabus would eventually outlive his brother and ruled the kingdom. However, Qabus was placed in exile from 980 to 998 by the Buyid ruler, Adud al-Dawla who would then dominate Tabaristan, the heartland of Ziyarid power. A succession of other rulers came to rule the kingdom with Ghaznavid support in the early 11th century. The Nizari Ismaili state invaded and ended Ziyarid rule in 1090.

At its greatest extent, it ruled much of present-day western and northern Iran. During the turn of the century, the kingdom attracted many scholars, with the most notable being al-Biruni.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Bosworth107 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).