Ka'usiyeh dynasty

The Ka'usiyeh dynasty ruled Tabaristan (now Mazandaran in northern Iran) from 665 to about 1006. It was a branch of the Bavand Dynasty, based in a mountainous region south-west of Sari, whose isolation played a rôle in the survival of the early dynasty.

The dynasty was founded by the founder of the Bvads, Baw Ka'usiyeh, the first prince of Tabaristan (r. 665–680) son of Kawus, son of Kavadh I, the Sasanian Emperor.

In about 854 Qarin I (r. 837–867) converted to Islam. Rostam III (r. 1006–57) became a vassal of the Ziyarid king Shams al-Mo'ali Abol-hasan Ghaboos ibn Wushmgir (or Qabus), but as the Ziyarids' power declined, Rostam (and Qaren II after him) became an essentially independent minor ruler.

In about 1074 another branch of the Bavand Dynasty – the Espahbadiyeh – succeeded the Ka'usiyeh, and ruled over Mazandaran and Gilan until 1210.

Ka'usiyeh kings

• Farrukhzad (651–665)
• Valash (usurper, 665–688)
• Surkhab I (688–717)
• Mihr Mardan (717–755)
• Surkhab II (755–772)
• Sharwin I (772–817)
• Shahriyar I (817–825)
• Shapur (825)
• Rule by the Karenid Mazyar (825-839)
• Qarin I (839–867)
• Rustam I (867–895)
• Sharwin II (896–930)
• Shahriyar II (930–964)
• Rustam II (964–979)
• Al-Marzuban (979–986)
• Sharwin III (986)
• Shahriyar III (986-987)
• Al-Marzuban (987–998)
• Shahriyar III (998)
• Al-Marzuban (998-1006)
• Abu Ja'far Muhammad (???-1027)
• Qarin II (1057-1074)

See also

• Sassanid dynasty
• Bavand dynasty

Sources and external links

• "Ka'usiyeh Dynasty" — Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service (retrieved 2 February 2006)