List of monarchs of Persia explained

Royal Title:Shah
Realm:Iran
Coatofarms:Lion and Sun Emblem of Persia.svg
Coatofarmscaption:Lion and Sun
Emblem of Imperial Persia/Iran
First Monarch:
Last Monarch:Mohammad Reza Pahlavi 1941–1979 (as Shah of Iran)
Style:Shah
Shahanshah
Residence:Apadana
Tachara
Palace of Darius
Palace of Ardashir
Taq Kasra
Ālī Qāpū Palace
Hasht Behesht
Golestan Palace
Sa'dabad Palace
Niavaran Palace
Appointer:Hereditary
Began:671 BC
Ended:11 February 1979
Pretender:Reza Pahlavi

This article lists the monarchs of Iran (Persia) from the establishment of the Medes around 678 BC until the deposition of the Pahlavi dynasty in 1979.

Median Dynasty (700–550 BC)

See main article: Median dynasty.

PortraitNameFamily relationsReignNotes
Median Kingdom (678 BC–549 BC)
Deioces700–678 BCFirst known ruler of Media
PhraortesSon of Deioces678–625 BCOverthrew Assyrian rule in Media
Scythian rule (624–597 BC)
CyaxaresSon of Phraortes624–585 BCThe dynasty of the Median kings was known as the Cyaxarid dynasty, named after him or a pre-Deicoes king.[1]
AstyagesSon of Cyaxares585–549 BCLast king of the Medes

Teispid Kingdom (705–559 BC)

See main article: Teispids and Anshan (Persia).

PortraitNameFamily relationsReignNotes
Teispid dynasty (705–559 BC)
Achaemenes8th century/688-675 BCFirst ruler of the Achaemenid kingdom
TeispesSon of Achaemenes-640 BC
Cyrus ISon of Teispes-580 BC
Cambyses ISon of Cyrus I and father of Cyrus II-560 BC

Achaemenid Empire (559–334/327 BC)

See main article: Achaemenid Empire and Achaemenid dynasty.

PortraitTitlesRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Achaemenid dynasty (559–334/327 BC)
The Great King, King of Kings, King of Anshan, King of Media, King of Babylon, King of Sumer and Akkad, King of the Four Corners of the WorldCyrus the Great600 BCSon of Cambyses I king of Anshan and Mandana daughter of Astyages559–530 BC530 BCKing of Anshan from 559 BC.
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptCambyses II?Son of Cyrus the Great530–522 BC522 BCDied while en route to put down a rebellion.
Pharaonic titulary: Horus: Smatawy, Nswbty: Mesutire[2]
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptBardiyaBardiya (?)?Son of Cyrus the Great (possibly an imposter claiming to be Bardiya)522 BC522 BCKilled by Persian aristocrats
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptDarius the Great550 BCSon of Hystaspes522–486 BC486 BCPharaonic titulary: Horus: Menkhib
Nswbty: Stutre[3]
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptXerxes the Great519 BCSon of Darius I485–465 BC465 BCTypically assumed to be the King Ahaseurus of the Book of Esther based on name
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptArtaxerxes IArses?Son of Xerxes I465–424 BC424 BC
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptXerxes IIArtaxerxes?Son of Artaxerxes I424 BC424 BCOnly recognised in Persia itself, killed by Sogdianus
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of Egypt?Sogdianus?Son of Artaxerxes I424–423 BC423 BCOnly recognised in Persia and Elam, killed by Darius II
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptDarius IIOchus?Son of Artaxerxes I424–404 BC404 BC
The Great King, King of KingsArtaxerxes IIArsaces?Son of Darius II404–358 BC358 BCThe King Ahasuerus of the Book of Esther according to traditional sources[4]
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptArtaxerxes IIIOchus?Son of Artaxerxes II358–338 BC338 BCKilled
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptArtaxerxes IVArses?Son of Artaxerxes III338–336 BC336 BCKilled
The Great King, King of Kings, Pharaoh of EgyptDarius IIIArtashata380 BCSon of Arsames son of Ostanes son of Darius II336–330 BC330 BCKilled by Artaxerxes V
The Great King, King of KingsArtaxerxes VBessus?Probably a descendant of Darius II330–329 BC329 BCKilled by Alexander III
Note: Ancient Persia is generally agreed to have ended with the collapse of the Achaemenid dynasty as a result of the Wars of Alexander the Great.

Macedonian Empire (336–306 BC)

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Argead dynasty (336–306 BC)
KingAlexander the Great356 BCSon of Philip II of Macedonia336–323 BC13 June 323 BCKing of Macedonia from 336 BC as Alexander III. One of the greatest conquerors in history. Died mysteriously.
KingPhilip III 359 BCSon of Philip II of MacedoniaJune 323– 317 BC317 BCKilled by Olympias
KingSept. 323 BCSon of Alexander IIISept. 323–309 BC309 BCKing of Macedonia as Alexander IV until 309 BC. Killed by Cassander son of Antipater
RegentPerdiccas?June 323–321 BC321 BCRegent for Alexander IV & Philip III, Prince of Orestis
RegentAntipater398 BCSon of Iollas321–319 BC319 BCRegent for Alexander IV & Philip III
RegentPolyperchon394 BCSon of Simmias319–316 BC303 BCRegent for Alexander IV & Philip III. Exercised no actual power in Persia.
RegentCassanderSon of Antipater316–309 BC297 BCRegent for and murderer of Alexander IV. Exercised no actual power in Persia.

Seleucid Empire (311–129 BC)

See main article: Seleucid Empire and Seleucid dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Seleucid dynasty (311–129 BC)
KingSeleucus I Nicator 358 BCSon of Antiochus son of Seleucus311–281 BC281 BCAssumed title of "King" from 306 BC.
KingAntiochus I Soter?Son of Seleucus I281–261 BC261 BCCo-ruler from 291
KingAntiochus II Theos286 BCSon of Antiochus I261–246 BC246 BC
KingSeleucus II Callinicus?Son of Antiochus II246–225 BC225 BC
KingSeleucus III CeraunusAlexander 243 BCSon of Seleucus II225–223 BC223 BC
Great KingAntiochus III the Great 241 BCSon of Seleucus II223–187 BC187 BC
KingSeleucus IV Philopator?Son of Antiochus III187–175 BC175 BC
KingAntiochus IV EpiphanesMithridates 215 BCSon of Antiochus III175–163 BC163 BCKilled in Elymais
KingAntiochus V Eupator 172 BCSon of Antiochus IV163–161 BC161 BC
KingDemetrius I Soter185 BCSon of Seleucus IV161–150 BC150 BC
KingAlexander Balas?Purported son of Antiochus IV150–146 BC146 BC
KingDemetrius II Nicator?Son of Demetrius I146–139 BC139 BCDefeated and captured by Parthians. He married Rhodogune daughter of Mithridates I
KingAntiochus VI Dionysus148 BCSon of Alexander III. 145–142 BC138 BCIn competition with Demetrius II.
KingAntiochus VII Sidetes?Son of Demetrius I139–129 BC129 BCKilled in battle with Phraates II

Fratarakas (?-140BC)

See main article: Frataraka. The Fratarakas appear to have been Governors of the Seleucid Empire.

NameDateCoinageFamily RelationsNote
1Bagadates/ Baydād (bgdt)3rd century BCFratarakā dynasty – son of BaykardGovernor of the Seleucid Empire. Coin legend bgdt prtrk' zy 'lhy ("Baydād, fratarakā of the gods") in Aramaic.
2Ardakhshir I (rtḥštry)Mid-3rd century BCFratarakā dynastyGovernor of the Seleucid Empire
3Vahbarz (whwbrz – called Oborzos in Polyenus 7.40)Mid-3rd century BC Fratarakā dynastyGovernor of the Seleucid Empire
Fratarakā dynastyGovernor of the Seleucid Empire. Transition period. Eagle emblem on top of stylized kyrbasia. Aramaic coin legend wtprdt [p]rtrk' zy 'ly ("Vādfradād, frataraka of the gods").[5]
6'Unknown king I' (Syknlt?) 2nd half of 2nd century BC?Transition period. No inscription on coinage.

Kings of Persis (140 BC-224AD)

See main article: Kings of Persis.

NameDateCoinageFamily RelationsNote
7Darayan I2nd century BC (end)?Darev I and his successors were sub-kings of the Parthian Empire. Crescent emblem on top of stylized kyrbasia. Aramaic coin legend d’ryw mlk ("King Darius").
81st century BC (1st half)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire. Coin legend wtprdt mlk ("King Vadfradad") in Aramaic script.
91st century BCson of Vadfradad III Sub-king of the Parthian Empire. Aramaic coin legend d’ryw mlk brh wtprdt mlk ("King Darius, son of King Vadfradad").
101st century BC (2nd half)son of Darev II Sub-king of the Parthian Empire. Killed by his brother Vahshir I
11Vahšīr/ Vahshir I (Oxathres)1st century BC (2nd half)son of Darev II Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
121st century AD (1st half)son of Vahshir I Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
13Pakor II 1st century AD (1st half)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
14Nambed 1st century AD (mid)son of Ardashir II Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
15Napad 1st century AD (2nd half)son of Nambed Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
16'Unknown king II' 1st century AD (end)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
17Vadfradad IV 2nd century AD (1st half)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
18Manchihr I 2nd century AD (1st half)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
19Ardashir III 2nd century AD (1st half)son of Manchihr I Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
20Manchihr II 2nd century AD (mid)son of Ardashir IIISub-king of the Parthian Empire
21'Unknown king III'/
tentatively Pakor III[6]
2nd century AD (2nd half)?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
22Manchihr III 2nd century AD (2nd half)son of Manchihr IISub-king of the Parthian Empire
23Ardashir IV 2nd century AD (end)son of Manchihr III Sub-king of the Parthian Empire
24Vahshir II (Oxathres)–210 AD?Sub-king of the Parthian Empire. The last of Bazarangids.
25Shapur3rd century AD (beg.)Brother of the first Sasanian, Ardashir ISub-king of the Parthian Empire
26Ardashir V
(Sasanian dynasty Ardashir I)
3rd century AD (beg.)First Sasanian ruler, under the name of Ardashir ISub-king of the Parthian Empire

Parthian Empire (247 BC – AD 228)

See main article: Parthian Empire. The Seleucid dynasty gradually lost control of Persia. In 253, the Arsacid dynasty established itself in Parthia. The Parthians gradually expanded their control, until by the mid-2nd century BC, the Seleucids had completely lost control of Persia. Control of eastern territories was permanently lost by Antiochus VII in 129 BC.

For more comprehensive lists of kings, queens, sub-kings and sub-queens of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Arsacid dynasty (247 BC – 228 AD)
King, Karen, AutocratorArsaces ITiridates I or Arsaces?Son of Phriapites descendant of Arsaces son of Phriapatius who was probably son of Artaxerxes II247–211 BC211 BC
?Arsaces IIArtabanus I or Arsaces?Son of Arsaces I211–185 BC[7] 185 BC
?Arsaces IIIPhriapatius?Grandson of Tiridates I185–170 BC170 BC
?Arsaces IVPhraates I?Son of Phriapatius170–167 BC[8] 167 BC
The Great King, Theos, Theopator, PhilhelleneArsaces VMithridates I?Son of Phriapatius167 −132 BC[9] 132 BC
The Great King, Philopator, Theopator, NikephorosArsaces VIPhraates II?Son of Mithridates I132–127 BC127 BCKilled in battle with Scythians
KingArsaces VIIArtabanus II?Son of Phriapatius127–126 BC126 BCKilled in battle with Tocharians
The Great King, Theopator, Philadelphos, Philhellene, EpiphanesArsaces VIIIVologases(?)?Son of Phriapatius126–122 BC122 BCHe was the first Arsacid king of Media, Arran and Iberia
The Great King, King of kings, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces IXArtabanus(?)?Son of Artabanus II122–121 BC121 BCKilled in battle with Medians
The Great King, The Great King of Kings, Epiphanes, SoterArsaces XMithridates II?Son of Artabanus II121[10] –91 BC91 BC
The Great King, Epiphanes, Philhellene, Euergetes, AutocratorArsaces XIGotarzes I?Son of Mithridates II91–87 BC87 BC
The Great King, Theopator, NicatorArsaces XIIArtabanus(?)?Probably son of Arsaces VIII Vologases(?)91–77? BC77? BC
The Great King, The Great King of Kings, Dikaios, Euergetes, Philhellene, Autocrator, Philopator, EpiphanesArsaces XIIIMithridates?Probably son of Mithridates II88–67 BC67 BC
The Great King, Euergetes, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XIVOrodes I?Probably son of Mithridates II80–75 BC75 BC
The Great King, Theopator, Euergetes, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XVSanatruces157 BCProbably son of Arsaces VIII Vologases(?)77–70 BC70 BC
The Great King, Theopator, Euergetes, Epiphanes, Philhellene, EusebesArsaces XVIArsaces(?) or Vardanes(?) or Vonones(?)??77–66 BC66 BCThe most obscure major monarch of the first millennium BC. Nothing about him is currently known.
The Great King, Theos, Euergetes, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XVIIPhraates III?Son of Sanatruces70–57 BC57 BCKilled by Orodes II
The Great King, Philopator, Euergetes, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XVIII??probably son of Arsaces XVI66–63 BC63 BCThe second most obscure monarch of the first millennium BC, nothing about him is known.
The Great King, The Great King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, Theos, Eupator, Theopator, PhilhelleneArsaces XIXMithridates III?Son of Phraates III65 −54 BC54 BCKilled by Orodes II
King of Kings, Philopator, Eupator, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, Philhellene, KtistesArsaces XXOrodes II?Son of Phraates III57–38 BC38 BCKilled by Phraates IV
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXIPacorus I?Son of Orodes II50–38 BC38 BCKilled in battle with Romans
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXIIPhraates IV?Son of Orodes II38–2 BC2 BCKilled by Musa
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, Philhellene, Autocrator, PhiloromaeosArsaces XXIIITiridates II?Probably a descendant of Arsaces XIII Mithridates30–25 BCafter 23 BCDeposed and went to Rome
?Arsaces XXIVMithridates[11] ?Probably a descendant of Arsaces XIII Mithridates12–9 BC?
Queen of Queens, Thea, UraniaMusaMusa?Queen of Phraates IV2 BC – 4 AD4? AD
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXVPhraates V?Son of Phraates IV & Musa2 BC – 4 AD4 ADDeposed and went to Rome
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXVIOrodes III?Probably a descendant of Arsaces XIII Mithridates4–66Killed by Parthian aristocrats
The Great King, King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, Philhellene, NikephorusArsaces XXVIIVonones I?Son of Phraates IV8–1219Deposed and went to Rome. Later, he was killed by Romans.
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXVIII?Probably a descendant of Arsaces XIII Mithridates10–4040
?Arsaces XXIXTiridates III?Probably a descendant of Tiridates II35–36?Deposed and went to Rome
?Arsaces XXXCinnamus?37?Abdicated
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXIGotarzes II11Son of Artabanus III40–5151
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXIIVardanes I?Son of Artabanus III40–4646Killed by Gotarzes II
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXIIIVonones II?Probably son of Artabanus III 45–5151
?Arsaces XXXIVMithridates[12] ?Son of Vonones I49–50?Deposed and mutilated by Gotarzes II
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, Philhellene, The LordArsaces XXXVVologases I?Son of Vonones II51–7777
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXVIVardanes II?Son of Vologases I55–58?Deposed
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXVIIVologases II?Probably the eldest son of Vologases I77–89/90?
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXVIIIPacorus II?Probably the younger son of Vologases I77–115115
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XXXIXArtabanus IV?Probably son of Vologases I or Artabanus III80–81?
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLOsroes I?brother of Pacorus II89/90–130130
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLIVologases III?Probably son of Sanatruces I king of Armenia 89–109 who was brother of Osroes I105–148148He was also king of Armenia as Vologases I
King of Kings, Euergetes, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLIIParthamaspates?Son of Osroes I116–117after 123Deposed and went to Rome
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLIIIMithridates IV?Probably son of Osroes I 130 – 145 145
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLIV[13] ??? 140 – 140 140
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLVVologases IV?Son of Mithridates IV148–191191
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLVIVologases V?Son of Vologases IV191–208208
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLVIIOsroes II?Probably son of Vologases IV 190 – 195?
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLVIIIVologases VI181Son of Vologases V208–228228Killed by Ardashir I
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces XLIXArtabanus V?Son of Vologases V213–226226Killed by Ardashir I
King of Kings, Dikaios, Epiphanes, PhilhelleneArsaces LTiridates IV[14] ?Son of Vologases IV217–222?He was also king of Armenia

Sasanian Empire (224–651)

See main article: Sasanian Empire and Sasanian dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
House of Sasan
Shahanshah[15] Ardashir I180Son of Papak, who was son of Sasan28 April 224 – February 242February 242
ShahanshahShapur I215Son of Ardashir I12 April 240 – May 270May 270
Shahanshah, Wuzurg Armananshah[16] Hormizd IHormozd-Ardashir?Son of Shapur IMay 270 – June 271June 271
Shahanshah, GilanshahBahram I?Son of Shapur IJune 271 – September 274September 274
ShahanshahBahram II?Son of Bahram ISeptember 274 – 293293
Shahanshah, SakanshahBahram III?Son of Bahram II293293Deposed
Shahanshah, Wuzurg ArmananshahNarseh I?Son of Shapur I293–302302
ShahanshahHormizd II?Son of Narseh I302–309309Killed by Iranian aristocrats
ShahanshahAdhur Narseh?Son of Hormizd II309309Killed by Iranian aristocrats
Shahanshah, Dhū al-aktāf[17] Shapur II309Son of Hormizd II309–379379
ShahanshahArdashir II309/310Son of Hormizd II379–383383
ShahanshahShapur III?Son of Shapur II383 – December 388December 388Killed by Iranian aristocrats
Shahanshah, KirmanshahBahram IV?Son of Shapur IIDecember 388 – 399399
ShahanshahYazdegerd I363Son of Shapur III399 – 21 January 42021 January 420Killed by Iranian aristocrats
ShahanshahBahram V406Son of Yazdegerd I21 January 420 – 20 June 43820 June 438
ShahanshahYazdegerd II?Son of Bahram V20 June 438 – 15 December 45715 December 457
ShahanshahHormizd III399Son of Yazdegerd II457–459459Killed by Peroz I
ShahanshahPeroz I459Son of Yazdegerd II459 – January 484January 484Killed in battle with Hephthalites
ShahanshahBalash?Son of Yazdegerd IIFebruary 484 – 488488
ShahanshahKavadh I449Son of Peroz I488–49613 September 531Deposed
ShahanshahDjamasp?Son of Peroz I496–498502Deposed
ShahanshahKavadh I449Son of Peroz I498 – 13 September 53113 September 531
Shahanshah, Anushiravan, The JustKhosrau I500Son of Kavadh I13 September 531 – 31 January 57931 January 579
ShahanshahHormizd IV540Son of Khosrau I31 January 579 – 5 September 5905 September 590Killed by Vistahm
Shahanshah, AparvizKhosrau II570Son of Hormizd IVSeptember 590 – September 59028 February 628Deposed and went to Byzantine territory
House of Mihran
Shahanshah, ChubinehBahram VIMehrbandak?Son of Bahram Gushnasp from House of MihranSeptember – 590 January 591591Assassinated under the order of Khosrau II
House of Sasan
Shahanshah, Aparviz, The VictoriousKhosrau II570Son of Hormizd IVJanuary 591 – 25 February 62828 February 628Executed by Mihr Hormozd under the orders of Kavadh II
House of Ispahbudhan
ShahanshahVistahm?Son of Shapur from the House of Ispahbudhan. He was the uncle of Khosrau II and husband of Gorduya, sister of Bahram VI591 – 596 or 600596 or 600Killed by his wife Gorduya or by his general Pariowk
House of Sasan
ShahanshahKavadh IIShirweih?Son of Khosrau II25 February 628 – 15 September 62815 September 628Died from plague
ShahanshahArdashir III621Son of Kavadh II15 September 628 – 27 April 63027 April 630Killed by Shahrbaraz
House of Mihran
Shahanshah, ShahrvarazShahrbaraz?Sasanian general from the House of Mihran27 April 630 – 17 June 63017 June 630Killed by Farrokh Hormizd under the orders of Borandukht
House of Sasan
ShahanshahKhosrau III?Nephew of Khosrau II630630Killed after a few days reign
Shahbanu[18] Borandukht590Daughter of Khosrau II630 (First reign)

June 631 – June 632 (Second reign)

632Deposed by Iranian aristocrats and replaced by Shapur-i Shahrvaraz

Restored to the Sasanian throne, and later strangled to death by Piruz Khosrow

ShahanshahShapur-i Shahrvaraz?Son of Shahrbaraz and an unknown sister of Khosrau II630?Deposed by Iranian aristocrats and replaced by Azarmidokht
ShahanshahPeroz IIGushnasp-Bandeh?Son of Mihran-Goshnasp & Chaharbakht who was daughter of Yazdandad son of Khosrau I.630630Killed by Iranian aristocrats
ShahbanuAzarmidokht?Daughter of Khosrau II630–631631Killed by Iranian aristocrats
ShahanshahKhosrau IVKhurrazadh?Son of Khosrau II631631Killed by Iranian aristocrats
House of Ispahbudhan
ShahanshahFarrokh Hormizd?Son of Sasanian general Vinduyih, the brother of Vistahm630–631631Killed by Siyavakhsh under the orders of Azarmidokht
House of Sasan
ShahanshahHormizd VI?Grandson of Khosrau II630–631631Killed by Iranian aristocrats
ShahanshahYazdegerd III624Son of Shahryar the son of Khosrau II16 June 632–651651Killed by a miller
Note: Classical Persia is generally agreed to have ended with the collapse of the Sasanian Empire as a result of the Muslim conquest of Persia.

Dabuyid (651–760)

See main article: Dabuyid dynasty. A Zoroastrian Persian dynasty that held power in the north for over a century before finally falling to the Abbasid Caliphate.

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Dabuyid dynasty (642–760)
Ispahbadh Gil Gavbara?Son of Piruz642–660660
Ispahbadh, Gil-Gilan, Padashwargarshah Dabuya ?Son of Gil Gavbara660–676676
Ispahbadh, Gil-Gilan, Padashwargarshah Farrukhan the Great ?Son of Dabuya712–728728
Ispahbadh, Gil-Gilan, Padashwargarshah Dadhburzmihr?Son of Farrukhan the Great728–740/741740/741
Ispahbadh, Gil-Gilan, Padashwargarshah Farrukhan the Little?Son of Farrukhan the Great740/741–747/48747/48Regent for Khurshid of Tabaristan
Ispahbadh, Gil-Gilan, Padashwargarshah Khurshid 734Son of Dadhburzmihr740/741–760761Committed suicide

Rashidun Caliphate (642–661)

See main article: Rashidun Caliphate and Rashidun. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleNameKunyaBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Al Farooq, Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininUmarAbu Hafs583Son of Khattab ibn Nufayl.642–644644Umar became Caliph in 634 and his forces conquered Persia in 642. Killed by Abu Lu'lu'a Firuz
Zonnurain, Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininUthmanAbu Amr579Son of Affan ibn Abd shams, of the Umayyad clan.644–656656Killed by Rebels
Al-Mortaza, Caliph, Amir al-Mu'minin, Great Imam, Maula AliAliAbul-Hasan 598Son of Abu Talib ibn Shayba, of the Hashemite clan. Son-in-law of Muhammad.656–661661Killed by Kharijites
Al-Mujtaba Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-HasanAbu Muhammad624Son of caliph Ali ibn ABI talib, of the Hashemite clan. Grandson of Muhammad.661–661670Abdicated after six or seven months to Muawiya

Umayyad Caliphate (661–750)

See main article: Umayyad Caliphate. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

Portrait/CoinTitleNameKunyaBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininMuawiyah IAbu Abdallah ?Son of Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, cousin of Uthman ibn Affan and distant cousin of Muhammad661–680680Reigned until his death
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininYazid IAbu Khalid?Son of Muawiyah I680–683683Reigned until his death
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininMuawiya IIAbu Abd ur-Rahman ?Son of Yazid I683–684?Reigned until his death
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininMarwan IAbu Abd al-Malik ?Son of Hakam cousin of Muawiyah I684–685685Reigned until his death
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAbd al-MalikAbu'l-Walid ?Son of Marwan I685–705705Reigned until his death
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-Walid IAbu'l-Abbas 674Son of Abd al-Malik705–715715Reigned until his death, built Mosque and great patron of Art.
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininSulayman ibn Abd al-MalikAbu Ayyub 675Son of Abd al-Malik715–717717Reigned until his death in 717
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininUmar IIAbu Hafṣ 680Son of Abd al-Aziz ibn Marwan and Paternal cousin of Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik717–720720Reigned until his death, died of food poisoning.
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininYazid IIAbu Khalid690/91Son of Abd al-Malik720–724724Reigned until his death in 724
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininHishamAbu'l-Walid 691Son of Abd al-Malik724–743743Reigned until his death, built many schools and mosques in his Empire.
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-Walid IIAbu'l-Abbas 709Son of Yazid II743–744744Reigned until his death (Assassinated)
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininYazid IIIAbu Khalid 701Son of Al-Walid I and Shahfarand daughter of Peroz III744–744744Reigned until his death (Brain tumour)
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininIbrahim ibn al-WalidAbu Ishaq 701/02Son of Al-Walid I744–744744Abdicated for Marwan II
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininMarwan IIAbu Abd al-Malik 691Son of Muhammad ibn Marwan and Paternal cousin of Caliph Hisham.744–750750Ruled from Harran in the Jazira. Killed by Saffah

Notable Governors

GovernorTerm
Governors of Khurasan
662–665, 683–84
673–676
681–684
694–697
Muhallab ibn Abi Sufra698–702
702–704
717–719
723–724
724–727, 734–38
738–748

Abbasid Caliphate (748–861)

See main article: Abbasid Caliphate. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

Portrait/CoinTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAs-SaffahAbu'l-Abbas Abdallah721Son of Muhammad ibn Ali who was a descendant of Muhammad's paternal uncle748–754754Reigned until his death (Smallpox)
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-MansurAbu Ja'far Abdallah714Brother of As-Saffah754–775775Reigned until his death, one of the famous Arab caliph.
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-MahdiAbu Abdallah Muhammad744/745Son of Al-Mansur775–785785Reigned until his death, famous Abbasid caliph.
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-HadiAbu Muhammad Musa764Son of Al-Mahdi785–786786Reigned until his death in 786
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininHarun al-RashidAbu Ja'far Harun763/766Son of Al-Mahdi786–809809Reigned until his death, the most famous Abbasid caliph
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-AminAbu Musa Muhammad787Son of Harun al-Rashid809–813813Dethroned and Killed by al-Ma'mun
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-Ma'munAbu'l-Abbas Abdallah786Son of Harun al-Rashid813–833833Reigned until his death, famous Abbasid caliph
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-Mu'tasimAbu Ishaq Muhammad796Son of Harun al-Rashid833–842842Reigned until his death, famous Abbasid caliph
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-WathiqAbu Ja'far Harun812Son of Al-Mu'tasim842–847847Reigned until his death, Abbasid caliph
Caliph, Amir al-Mu'mininAl-MutawakkilAbu'l-Fadl Ja'far822Son of Al-Mu'tasim847–861861Reigned until his assassination, last great Abbasid caliph (for others see Abbasid caliphs).

Notable Governors

GovernorTerm
Governors of Khurasan
750–755
766–767
768–776
778–780
795–796
796–807/8
796–797
Governor Term
Governors of Khurasan (Tahirids)
821–822
822–828
828–845
845–862
862–873

Samanid Empire (819–999)

See main article: Samanid Empire and Anarchy at Samarra. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Samanid dynasty (819–999)
Ahmad ibn Assad ??819–864/865864/5
Nasr I??864/865–892892
AdelIsmail Samani??892–907907
ShaheedAhmad Samani??907–914914
SaeedNasr II??914–942943
HamidNuh I??942–954954
Rashid'Abd al-Malik I??954–961961
Mo'ayyedMansur I??961–976976
RadhiNuh II??976–996997
Abol HarethMansur II??996–999999
Abol Favares'Abd al-Malik II??999999
MontaserIsma'il Muntasir??1000–10051005

Saffarid Kingdom (861–1003)

See main article: Saffarid dynasty and Anarchy at Samarra. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleNameKunyaBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNote
Saffarid dynasty (861–1003)
EmirYa'qub ibn al-layth al-Saffar840Son of al-Layth861–879879Died of sickness
EmirAmr ibn al-Layth?Son of al-Layth879–901902Captured by the Samanids, later executed on 20 April 902 in Baghdad
EmirTahir ibn Muhammad ibn AmrAbu'l-Hasan?Son of Muhammad, son of Amr901–908?Imprisoned in Baghdad
EmirAl-Layth?Son of Ali, son of al-Layth909–910928Dies of natural causes as a prisoner in Baghdad in 928
EmirMuhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Layth?Son of Ali, son of al-Layth910–911?Imprisoned in Baghdad
EmirAmrAbu Hafs902Son of Ya'qub912–913?Overthrown by the Samanids
EmirAhmad Ja’far Ahmad ibn MuhammadAbu Ja'far21 June 906 Son of Muhammad, son of Amr923–96331 March 963
EmirKhalaf ibn AhmadAbu AhmadNovember 937 Son of Ahmad ibn Muhammad963–1009March 1009Overthrown by the Ghaznavids in 1003, died in exile in 1009

Ghurid Kingdom (879–1215)

See main article: Ghurid dynasty. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNote
Ghurid dynasty (879–1215)
MalikAmir Suri?Father of Muhammad ibn Suri[19] ?–??was the first Malik of the Ghurid dynasty
MalikMuhammad ibn Suri?Son of Amir Suri?–10111011Poisoned himself
MalikAbu Ali ibn Muhammad?Son of Muhammad ibn Suri1011–10351035Overthrown and killed by his nephew Abbas ibn Shith
MalikAbbas ibn Shith?1035–10601060Deposed and killed by the Ghaznavids, replaced by his son Muhammad ibn Abbas
MalikMuhammad ibn Abbas?Son of Abbas ibn Shith1060–10801080
MalikQutb al-din Hasan?Son of Muhammad ibn Abbas1080–11001100
MalikIzz al-Din Husayn?Son of Qutb al-din Hasan1100–11461146
MalikSayf al-Din Suri?Son of Izz al-Din Husayn1146–11491149
MalikBaha al-Din Sam I?Son of Izz al-Din Husayn11491149
MalikAla al-Din Husayn?Son of Izz al-Din Husayn1149–11611161
MalikSayf al-Din Muhammad?Son of Ala al-Din Husayn1161–11631163
SultanGhiyath al-Din Muhammad1139Son of Baha al-Din Sam I1163–12021202
SultanMu'izz al-Din1149Son of Baha al-Din Sam I1173–12061206
SultanGhiyath al-Din Mahmud?Son of Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad1206–12121212
SultanBaha al-Din Sam III?Son of Ghiyath al-Din Mahmud1212–12131213
SultanAla al-Din Atsiz1159Son of Ala al-Din Husayn1213–12141214
SultanZia al-Din Ali?Son of Shuja al-Din Muhammad1214–12151215

Ziyarid Kingdom (928–1043)

See main article: Ziyarid dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal NameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Ziyarid dynasty (928–1043)
Abolhajjaj, EmirMardavij?son of Ziyar928–934934
AbutaherVoshmgir?son of Ziyar934–967967
Zahir od-DowlehBisotoon?son of Voshmgir967–976976
Shams ol-Ma'ali, AbolhasanQabus?son of Voshmgir976–10121012
Falak ol-Ma'aliManuchehr?son of Qabus1012–10311031
Sharaf ol-Ma'aliAnushiravan?son of Manuchehr1031–10431043
Onsor ol-Ma'aliKeikavus?son of Eskandar son of Qabus??
Gilanshah?son of Keykavous??

Buyid Kingdom (934–1062)

See main article: Buyid dynasty. The Buyid Kingdom was divided into a number of separate emirates, of which the most important were Fars, Ray, and Iraq. Generally, one of the emirs held a sort of primus inter pares supremacy over the rest, which would be marked by titles like Amir al-umara (which tied them into the hierarchy of the Abbasid Caliphate) and Shahanshah (which the dynasty revived as a sign of independence from the Abbasid caliphs).

For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNote
Buyids of Fars (933–1062)
Emir, Amir al-umaraImad al-DawlaAbu'l-Hasan Ali891Son of Buya934–949949Also Senior Buyid Emir (934–949)
Emir, ShahanshahAdud al-DawlaFanna Khusraw936Son of Rukn al-Dawla and nephew of Imad al-Dawla949–983983Senior Buyid Emir (976–983) and Emir of Iraq (978–983)
Emir, Amir al-umaraSharaf al-DawlaAbu'l-Fawaris Shirdil962Son of Adud al-Dawla983–989989Also Senior Buyid Emir and Emir of Iraq (987–989)
Emir, KingSamsam al-DawlaAbu Kalijar Marzuban964son of Adud al-Dawla989–998998Also Emir of Iraq and self-proclaimed Senior Buyid Emir (983–986)
Emir, King, ShahanshahBaha' al-DawlaAbu Nasr Firuz971Son of Adud al-Dawla998–10121012Also Emir of Iraq (988–1012) and Senior Buyid Emir (997–1012)
EmirSultan al-DawlaAbu Shuja992Son of Baha' al-Dawla1012–10241024Also Emir of Iraq and Senior Buyid Emir (1012–1021)
Emir, ShahanshahAbu KalijarMarzuban1011Son of Sultan al-Dawla1024–10481048Also Emir of Kerman (1028–1048), Senior Buyid Emir (1037–1048) and Emir of Iraq (1044–1048)
EmirAbu Mansur Fulad Sutun?Son of Abu Kalijar1048–10541062Lost Fars to Abu Sa'd Khusrau Shah
EmirAbu Sa'd Khusrau Shah?Son of Abu Kalijar1051–1054?Lost Fars to Abu Mansur Fulad Sutun
EmirAbu Mansur Fulad Sutun?Son of Abu Kalijar1054–10621062Killed by the Shabankara tribal chief Fadluya
Buyids of Rey, Isfahan, and Hamadan (935–1038)
Emir, Amir al-umaraRukn al-DawlaAbu Ali Hasan898Son of Buya935–976976Also Senior Buyid Emir (949–976)
EmirFakhr al-DawlaAbu'l-Hasan Ali952Son of Rukn al-Dawla976–980and

983–997

980Also Emir of Hamadan & Tabaristan (984–997) and Senior Buyid Emir (991–997)
EmirMu'ayyad al-DawlaAbu Mansur941Son of Rukn al-Dawla976–983983Also Emir of Hamadan (976–983), Jibal (977–983), Tabaristan (980–983), and Gorgan (981–983)
EmirMajd al-DawlaAbu Taleb Rostam993Son of Fakhr al-Dawla997–10291029Only in Rey, briefly self-proclaimed Senior Buyid Emir
EmirShams al-DawlaAbu Taher?Son of Fakhr al-Dawla997–10211021Only in Isfahan and Hamaedan, briefly self-proclaimed Senior Buyid Emir
EmirSama' al-DawlaAbu'l-Hasan Ali?Son of Shams al-Dawla1021–10231023Only in Hamadan, Deposed by Kakuyids
Buyids of Iraq and Khuzistan (945–1055)
Emir, Amir al-umaraMu'izz al-DawlaAbu'l-Husayn Ahmad915Son of Buya945–966966
Emir, Amir al-umaraIzz al-DawlaAbu Mansur Bakhtiyar943Son of Mu'izz al-Dawla966–979979Self-proclaimed Senior Buyid Emir (976–978)
Emir, ShahanshahAdud al-DawlaFanna Khusraw937Son of Rukn al-Dawla977–983983Also Emir of Fars (949–983) and Senior Buyid Emir (976–983)
Emir, KingSamsam al-DawlaAbu Kalijar Marzban964Son of Adud al-Dawla983–987998Also self-proclaimed Senior Buyid Emir (983–986) and Emir of Fars & Kerman (989–998)
Emir, Amir al-umaraSharaf al-DawlaAbu'l-Fawaris Shirdil 962Son of Adud al-Dawla987–989989Also Emir of Fars (983–989) and Senior Buyid Emir (987–989)
EmirBaha' al-DawlaAbu Nasr Firuz970Son of Adud al-Dawla989–10121012Also Senior Buyid Emir (997–1012) and Emir of Fars (999–1012)
EmirSultan al-DawlaAbu Shuja992Son of Baha' al-Dawla1012–10211024Also Senior Buyid Emir (1012–1021) and Emir of Fars (1012–1024)
Emir, Shahanshah, KingMusharrif al-DawlaAbu 'Ali1002Son of Baha' al-Dawla1021–10251025Closest thing to Senior Buyid Emir (1024–1025)
EmirJalal al-DawlaAbu Tahir Jalal al-Dawla994Son of Baha' al-Dawla1027–10431043
Emir, ShahanshahAbu KalijarMarzuban1011Son of Sultan al-Dawla1043–10481048Also Emir of Fars (1024–1048), Emir of Kerman (1028–1048) and Senior Buyid Emir (1037–1048)
EmirAl-Malik al-RahimAbu Nasr Khusrau Firuz?Son of Abu Kalijar1048–10581058Also Senior Buyid Emir (1051–1058). Deposed by Tughril of the Seljuqs

Ghaznavids Empire (977–1186)

See main article: Ghaznavids. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

LaqabPersonal NameReignSuccession rightNotes
1Nasir-ud-dinSabuktigin977–997
2No titleIsmail997–998son of Sabuktigin
3Yamin ad-Dawlah Abu QasimMahmud998–1030first son of Sabuktigin
4Jalal ad-DawlahMuhammad1030
1st reign
second son of Mahmud
5Shihab ad-DawlahMasud I1030–1041first son of MahmudWas overthrown, imprisoned and executed, following the battle of Dandanaqan
Jalal ad-DawlahMuhammad1041
2nd reign
second son of MahmudRaised to the throne following the removal of Masud I.
6Shihab ad-DawlahMawdud1041–1048son of Masud IDefeated Muhammad at the battle of Nangrahar and gained the throne.
7?
Masud II1048son of Mawdud
8Baha ad-DawlahAli1048–1049son of Masud I
9Izz ad-DawlahAbd al-Rashid1049–1052fifth son of Mahmud
10Qiwam ad-DawlahToghrul1052–1053Turkish mamluk generalUsurped the Ghaznavid throne after massacring Abd al-Rashid and eleven other Ghaznavid princes.
11Jamal ad-DawlahFarrukh-Zad1053–1059son of Masud I
12Zahir ad-DawlahIbrahim1059–1099son of Masud I
13Ala ad-DawlahMas'ūd III1099–1115son of Ibrahim
14Kamal ad-DawlahShir-Zad1115–1116son of Masud IIIMurdered by his younger brother Arslan ibn Mas'ud.
15Sultan ad-DawlahArslan-Shah1116–1117son of Masud IIITook the throne from his older brother Shirzad, but faced a rebellion from his other brother Bahram Shah, who was supported by the sultan of the Great Seljuq Empire, Ahmad Sanjar.
16Yamin ad-DawlahBahram Shah1117–1157son of Masud IIIUnder Bahram-Shah, the Ghaznavid empire became a tributary of the Great Seljuq Empire. Bahram was assisted by Ahmad Sanjar, sultan of the Great Seljuq empire, in securing his throne.
17Muizz ad-DawlahKhusrau Shah1157–1160son of Bahram-Shah
18Taj ad-DawlahKhusrau Malik1160–1186son of Khusrau-Shah

Seljuk Empire (1037–1194)

See main article: Seljuk Empire. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Seljuk(1037–1191)
Sultan, BegRukn ad-Dunya wa'd-DinTughril I Abu Talib Mohammad995Son of Mikha'il son of Seljuq1029–10631063Reigned until his death
SultanʿAdud ad-DawlaAlp Arslan Abu Shujaʿ Mohammad1039Son of Chaghri Beg Dawud brother of Toğrül I1063–10721072Reigned until his death
SultanJalal ad-Dawla wa'd-DinMalik Shah I Abu'l-Fath Hasan1055Son of Alp Arslan1072–10921092Killed by Assassins
SultanNasir ad-Dawla wa'd-Din1086Son of Malik Shah I1092–10941094Reigned until his death, Child ruler
SultanRukn ad-Dunya wa'd-DinAbu'l-Muzaffar Barkiyaruq1080Son of Malik Shah I1094–11051105
SultanGhiyath ad-Dunya wa'd-DinAbu Shuja Muhammad I Tapar1082Son of Malik Shah I1105–11181118
SultanMuglith ad-Dunya wa'd-Din11041118–11311131Dominated by his uncle Sanjar and killed in a rebellion against him.
SultanRukn ad-Dunya wa'd-Din 1109Son of Muhammad I1132–11341134Ruled only in Iraq, dominated by his uncle Ahmed Sanjar
SultanAs-Salatin Muʿizz ad-Dunyā wa'd-Dīn1087Son of Malik Shah I1097–11571157Ruled in Khorasan, dominating a series of nephews in Iraq.
SultanGhiyath ad-Dawla wa'd-Din1109Son of Muhammad I1134–11521152Ruled over the western portion of the empire. Preoccupations in the east meant Sanjar was unable to dominate him.
SultanMugith ad-Dunya wa'd-DinMalik Shah III1128Son of Mahmud II1152–1153and

1160

1153Deposed by Khass BeyRegained throne but then deposed by the people of Isfahan after 16 days.
SultanGhiyath ad-Dunya wa'd-Din1128Son of Mahmud II1153–11601160Rule contested with his uncle Sulayman Shah (1153–1155)
SultanMu'izz ad-Dunya wa'd-DinAbu'l-Harith Sulayman Shah1118Son of Muhammad I1153–1155and

1160–1161

1162Rule contested with his nephew Muhammad II Deposed by Inanj, Lord of Reyy and the court officials
SultanRukn ad-Dunya wa'd-DinArslan1134Son of Toghrul II1161–11761176De facto power in the hands of Ildeniz (1160–1174) and his son Pahlavan (1174–1176)
SultanRukn ad-Dunya wa'd-DinAbu Talib Toghrul III?Son of Arslan1176–11941194De facto power in the hands of Pahlavan (1176–1186) and Qizil Arslan (1186–1188). Deposed by Qizil Arslan in 1191.Killed by Khwarazm Shah Tekish
SultanSanjar II?Son of Sulayman Shah1189–11911191De facto power in the hands of Qizil Arslan (1189–1191). Deposed by Qizil Arslan in 1191.
Eldiguzids (1191)
SultanQizil Arslan?11911191Held de facto power (1186–1188). Deposed Qizil Arslan in 1191, declared himself Sultan and died an hour before his coronation.

Khwarazmian Empire (1153–1220)

See main article: Khwarazmian Empire. An empire built from Khwarezm, covering part of Iran and neighbouring Central Asia.

For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily RelationsReignDeathNote
Anushtegin dynasty (1153–1220)
SultanAla ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-MuzaffarAtsiz1097/1105son of Muhammad I of Khwarazm1153–11561156Ruling in Khwārazm from 1127
SultanTaj ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-Fath Il-Arslan?son of Atsiz1156–11721172
SultanAla ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-MuzaffarTekish?son of Il-Arslan1172–12001200With opposition from Sultan shah
ShahAla ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-FathMuhammad Sanjar?son of Tekish1200–12201220Eliminated by the Mongols
SultanJalal ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Abul-Muzaffar ?son of Muhammad1220–12311231Reign largely guerilla warfare against the Mongol conquerors

Mongol Empire (1220–1256)

See main article: Mongol Empire. For more comprehensive lists of kings and sub-kings of this Era see:

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
KhanGenghisTemujin1162Son of Yesugei Baghatur1220–12271227Ruling in Mongolia from 1206
KhanTolui1192Son of Genghis25 August 1227 – 13 September 122913 September 1229Regent
KhanÖgedei 1186Son of Genghis13 September 1229 – 11 December 12411241
KhatunTöregene?Wife of Ögedei1242 – March 1246?Regent
KhanGüyük 1206Son of Ögedei and Töregene1246–12481248
KhatunOghul Qaimish?Wife of Güyük1248–12511251Regent
KhanMöngke10 January 1209Son of Tolui1 July 1251 – 11 August 125911 August 1259

Ilkhanate (1256–1357)

See main article: Ilkhanate.

Ilkhanate (1256–1335)

PortraitTitleThrone namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Khan, IlkhanHulagu 1217Son of Tolui1256 – 8 February 12658 February 1265
Khan, IlkhanAbaqa1234Son of Hulagu1265 – 1 April 12821 April 1282
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanAhmad?Son of Hulagu1282–12841284Killed by Arghun
Khan, IlkhanArghun 1258Son of Abaqa1284 – 7 March 12917 March 1291
Khan, IlkhanGaykhatu?Son of Abaqa1291–12951295Killed by general Taghachar
Khan, IlkhanBaydu?Son of Taraqai son of Hulagu12951295Executed by Ghazan
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanMahmudGhazan5 November 1271Son of Arghun1295–13041304
Khan, Ilkhan, Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh Öljaitü1280Son of Arghun1304 – 16 December 131616 December 1316
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanAbu Sa'idAla' ad-Din Bahadur2 June 1305Son of Öljaitü1316 – 1 December 13351 December 1335
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanArpa Ke'unMu'izz ad-Din Mahmud?Son of Suseh son of Munkqan son of Malik-Temur son of Ariq Böke son of Tolui1335 – 10 April 133610 April 1336Killed in battle by Ali Padshah
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanNasir ad-DinMusa?Son of Ali son of Baydu12 April 1336 – 13371337Puppet of Ali Padshah, fled after being defeated by the Jalayirid Hasan Buzurg
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanTogha Temür?Son of Sudi son of Bababahathor son of Abokan son of Amakan son of Tur son of Jujiqisar son of Yesugei Baghatur1335–13531353
Khan, Ilkhan, Sultan Muzaffar ad-DinMuhammad?Son of Yul Qotloq son of Il Temur son of Ambarji son of Mengu Temur son of Hulagu1336–13381338Puppet of Hasan Buzurg, executed by the Chupanid Hasan Kucek
Khatun 1300Daughter of Öljaitü1338–1339After 1345Puppet of Hasan Kucek, who deposed her.
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanIzz ad-DinJahan Temür?Son of Ala-Fireng son of Gaykhatu1339–1340?Puppet of Hasan Buzurg, who deposed him for Togha Temür.
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanSuleiman?Husband of Sati beg and son of Yusef Shah son of Soga son of Yeshmut son of HulaguMay 1339 – 1345?Puppet of Hasan Kucek, fled to Diyarbakr in the disorder after his death.
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanAnushirwan?? 1344–1356?Puppet of the Chupanid Malek Ashraf
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanLuqman?Son of Togha Temür 1353–1388?Puppet of Timur
Khan, Ilkhan, SultanGhazan II?? 1356–1357?Puppet of Malek Ashraf

Sarbadars (1332–1386)

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
AmirAbd al-Razzaq ibn Fazlullah?1337–13381338Revolted against Togha Temür, stabbed to death by his brother
AmirWajih ad-Din Masud ibn Fazlullah?brother of Abd al-Razzaq1338–13441344Captured by the Paduspanids and executed.
AmirMuhammad Aytimur (1343–1346)?Unrelated to predecessors1344–13461346Overthrown and executed
AmirKulu Isfendiyar?Unrelated to predecessors1346– 1347 1347
AmirShams al-Din ibn Fazl Allah?brother of Abd al-Razzaq 1347?Forced to abdicate by successor
AmirKhwaja Shams al-Din 'Ali?Unrelated to predecessors1347–1351/13521351/1352Assassinated by a disgruntled official
AmirYahya Karawi?Unrelated to predecessors1351/1352–1355/13561355/1356Eliminated Togha Temür, assassinated.
AmirZahir al-Din Karawi?Nephew of Yahya Karawi1355/13561355/1356Deposed by vizier
AmirHaidar Qassab?Unrelated to predecessors1355/13561356Assassinated by a Turkish slave
AmirLutf Allah?Son of Wajih ad-Din Masud1356–1357/1358 or 13611357/1358 or 1361Deposed and executed by his vizier
AmirHasan al-Damghani?Unrelated to predecessors1357/1358 or 1361–1361/13621361/1362Overthrown by Dervish rebels
AmirKhwaja 'Ali-yi Mu'ayyad ibn Masud?Unrelated to predecessors1361/1362–1376/1377and

1376/1377–1381

?Restored, became vassal of Tamerlane in 1381
AmirRukn ad-Din?Unrelated to predecessors1376/1377?Installed by Dervish rebels.

Chobanids (1335–1357)

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
AmirHassan Kuchak 1319Son of Timurtash son of Chupan16 July 1338 – 15 December 134315 December 1343Ruled on behalf of his Il-Khanate puppets Sati Beg and Suleiman Khan.
AmirYagi Basti?Son of Chupan1343–13441344Assassinated by his co-ruler Malek Ashraf.
AmirSurgan 1320Son of Chupan and Sati Beg1343–13451345Driven out by his co-ruler Malek Ashraf.
AmirMalek Ashraf?Brother of Hassan Kuchak1343–13571357Ruled on behalf of his Il-Khanate puppets Anushirwan. Hung by Jani Beg of the Golden Horde.
AmirTemürtas?Son of Malek Ashraf13601360Short-lived puppet of the Golden Horde.

Jalayirids (1335–1432)

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Ulus BegTaj-ud-DinHasan Buzurg?Son-in-law of Chupan1336–13561356Ruled through Ilkhanate puppets Muhammad Khan and Jahan Temür.
Bahadur KhanMu'izz-ud-dunya wa'd-DinShaikh Uvais 1337–1374Son of Hasan Buzurg1356–13741374
Shaikh?Son of Shaikh Uvais1374–13741374Killed by the Amirs
ShaikhJalal-ud-DinHusain I (1374–1382)?Son of Shaikh Uvais1374–13821382Executed by his rebellious brother Ahmed
ShaikhBayazid?Son of Shaikh Uvais1382–13841384In opposition to Husain and Ahmed
SultanGhiyath ud-Din?Son of Shaikh Uvais1383–14101410In exile 1393–4, 1400–2, 1403–5. Killed in battle by Qara Yusuf
SultanAla ud-DunyaShah Walad?Son of Ali, son of Uvais1410–14111411
SultanMahmud?Son of Shah Walad14111425Under regency of Tandu Khatun
SultanUvais?Son of Shah Walad1415–14211421
SultanMuhammad?Son of Shah Walad14211421
SultanMahmud?Son of Shah Walad1421–14251425Second reign
Hussain?Son of Ala-ud-Dawlah, son of Ahmed1425–14321432Defeated by Kara Koyunlu

Injuids (1335–1357)

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Sharaf ad-Din Mahmud Shah?1304–13351335Highly autonomous master of the Ilkhanate royal estates (the injü), removed by Abu Sa'id, executed by Arpa Ke'un.
AmirGhiyath ad-Din Kai-Khusrau?Son of Mahmud Shah1335–1338/91338/9
AmirJalal ad-Din Mas'ud Shah?Son of Mahmud Shah1338–13421342In opposition to Kai-Khusrau. Jalayirid partisan. Assassinated by Chupanids.
AmirShams ad-Din Muhammad?Son of Mahmud Shah1339/401339/40In opposition to Mas'ud Shah. Murdered by his Chupanid supporter.
AmirShaikh Abu Ishaq?Son of Mahmud Shah1343–1357?Defeated & executed by the Muzaffarids

Muzaffarids (1314–1393)

PortraitTitleNameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
EmirMubariz ad-Din Muhammad ibn al-Muzaffar13011314–13581368Founder of the Muzaffarid dynasty
EmirShah Shuja?1358–13841384
EmirZain al-Abidin ?1384–13871387
EmirShah Yahya ?1387–13911391Only ruled in Shiraz
EmirShah Mansur ?1391–13931393

Timurid Empire (1370–1467)

See main article: Timurid Empire.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Amir, Beg, Gurkani, Sahib Qiran, SultanTimurTimur bin Taraghai Barlas, later Timur Gurkani9 April 1336 Son of Muhammad Taraghai1370 – 18 February 1405End of 1453
EmirPir Muhammad bin Jahangir 1374Grandson of Timur18 February 1405 – 22 February 140722 February 1407
Emir, Sultan, ShahKhalil Sultan bin Miran Shah 1384Grandson of Timur18 February 1405 – 13 May 140913 May 1409
MirzaShah RukhShah Rukh30 August 1377Son of Timur18 February 1405 – 12 March 144712 March 1447
Mirza, SultanUlugh BegMirza Muhammad Tāraghay22 March 1394Son of Shahrukh Mirza12 March 1447 – 27 October 144927 October 1449Deposed and murdered by his successor

Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu (1375–1497)

See main article: Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu.

Qara Qoyunlu

PortraitTitleRegnal NamePersonal NameBirthReignDeathFamily relationsNotes
BeyQara MuhammadQara Muhammad Turemish Qara Muhammad Turmush ibn Bairam Khwaja?1378–13881388First Bey of Kara Koynulu
BeyQara YusufAbu Nasr Qara Yusuf Nuyan ibn Muhammad?1388–14201420Reign ended by Timurid invasion
BeyQara IskanderQara Iskander ibn Yusuf?1420–14361436Killed
Bey،Padishah-i IranJahan ShahMuzaffar al-Din Jahan Shah ibn Yusuf13971438 – 11 November 146711 November 1467Son of Qara YusufKilled by Uzun Hasan of the Ak Koyunlu
BeyHasan AliHasan Ali ibn Jahan Shah?11 November 1467 – 14681468Son of Jahan ShahKilled by Uzun Hasan of the Ak Koyunlu

Aq Quyunlu

PortraitTitleRegnal NamePersonal NameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
BeyQara OsmanQara Yuluk (Nickname)?1378–14351435For aiding Timur, he was given Diyarbakir in 1402
BeyAliNur al-Din Ali ibn Qara Yülük ?Son of Qara Osman1435–14381438
BeyHamza?1403–14351444
BeyJahangirM‘uizz al-Din Jahangir ibn Ali ibn Qara Yülük?Son of Qara Osman1444–14531453
BeyUzun HassanUzun Hassan ibn Jahangir?Son of Jahangir1453 – 6 January 14786 January 1478
BeyKhalilKhalil ibn Uzun Hasan?Son of Uzun Hasan1478–14791479
BeyYaqubYaqub ibn Uzun Hasan?Son of Uzun Hasan1479–14901490
BeyBaysongurBaysongur ibn Yaqub?Son of Yaqub1490–14911491
BeyRostamRostam ibn Maqsud?Son of Maqsud1491–14971497
BeyAhmad GovdeAhmad Govde ibn Muhammad?Son of Muhammad14971497

Sources:[20] [21]

Note: Medieval Persia is generally agreed to have ended with the rise of the Safavid Empire

Safavid Empire (1501–1736)

See main article: Safavid Iran and Safavid dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Safavid dynasty (1501–1736)
Shah, Sultan, Kagan-i Suleyman shan, Pādišah-ī ĪrānIsmail I17 July 1487son of Sultan Heidargrandson of Uzun Hasan from mother lineage22 December 1501 – 23 May 152423 May 1524
Shah, Sahib-i-Qiran, Kagan-i Suleyman shanTahmasp I22 February 1514son of Ismail I23 May 1524 – 25 May 157625 May 1576
ShahIsmail II31 May 1537 son of Tahmasp I25 May 1576 – 24 November 157724 November 1577Poisoned (?)
Shah, Khodabandeh, Ashraf, SoltanMohammed Khodabanda1532son of Tahmasp I11 February 1578 – 1 October 15871596Deposed
Shahanshah, Sultan, GreatAbbas I the Great[22] 27 January 1571son of Mohammad I1 October 1587 – 19 January 162919 January 1629
Shah, MirzaSafiSam Mirza1611son of Mohammd Baqer (Safi) Mirza son of Abbas I19 January 1629 – 12 May 164212 May 1642
ShahAbbas II30 August 1632son of Safi12 May 1642 – 26 October 166626 October 1666
Shah, Hakem-ol HokamaSuleiman ISafi MirzaFebruary/March 1648son of Abbas II26 October 1666 – 29 July 169429 July 1694
Shah, Sultan, Sadr-ol HakemSultan Husayn1668son of Suleiman I29 July 1694 – 9 September 17279 September 1727Deposed and killed by Ashraf Hotak
Afghan Rebellion
ShahMahmud Hotak1697?son-in-law of Sultan Husayn son of Mirwais Khan Hotak23 October 1722 – 22 April 172522 April 1725Recognised as Shah of Persia after the Siege of Isfahan
ShahAshraf Hotak?cousin of Mahmud Hotak22 April 1725 – 5 October 17295 October 1729Ruled in opposition to Tahmasp II and lost control of Persia after the Battle of Damghan
Safavid Restoration
ShahTahmasp II1704son of Sultan Husayn11 September 1722 – 11 February 174011 February 1740Ruled in opposition to Mahmud Hotak, later deposed and killed by Nader

Afsharid Empire (1736–1796)

See main article: Afsharid Iran and Afsharid dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthFamily relationsReignDeathNotes
Afsharid dynasty (1736–1796)
Shahanshah, Sultan, Hakem-ol Hokama, Hazrat-e Ashraf, Zel- ol AllahNader ShahNadhar Qoli Khan1698son of Imam Qoli Beig Afshar8 March 1736 – 20 June 174720 June 1747Before coronation, his title was Tahmasp Qoli Khan. Killed
ShahAdel ShahAli Qoli Beig?son of Mohammad Ebrahim Khan, brother of Nader6 July 1747 – 1 October 17481749Deposed and blinded by Ebrahim. Killed by Shahrukh Afshar
ShahEbrahim AfsharMohammad Ali Beig1725son of Mohammad Ebrahim Khan, brother of Nader8 December 1748 – June-July 17491749Deposed and killed by Shahrukh Afshar
ShahShahrukh Afshar1734son of Reza Qoli Mirza son of Nader. His mother was Fatemeh Soltan Beigom daughter of Sultan Husayn I Safavi1 October 1748 – 14 January 17501796Deposed and blinded by Suleiman II (1749), restored (1750)
Brief Safavid control[23] (1749–1750)
ShahSuleiman II of PersiaMir Sayyed Mohammad Marashi?Pretender to the Safavid throne1749–1750?Removed and blinded
Afsharid restoration[24] (1750–1796)
ShahShahrukh Afshar1734son of Reza Qoli Mirza son of Nader. His mother was Fatemeh Soltan Beigom daughter of Sultan Husayn I Safavi20 March 1750 – 17961796Deposed and blinded by Suleiman II (1749), restored (1750)

Zand Kingdom (1751–1794)

See main article: Zand dynasty.

PortraitTitleRegnal namePersonal nameBirthReignDeathFamily relationsNotes
Zand dynasty (1751–1794)
Khan, Vakil e-Ro'aayaaKarim Khan ZandMohammad Karim17051751 – 6 March 17796 March 1779son of Inaq Khan & Bay AghaHad Ismail III as a Safavid prince, who reigned as a figurehead under the authority of Ali Mardan Khan Bakhtiari briefly from 1750 to 1751, and then under the Zand ruler Karim Khan Zand from 1751 till his death in 1773.
KhanMohammad Ali Khan Zand17606 March 1779 – 19 June 177919 June 1779son of Karim
KhanAbol-Fath Khan Zand17556 March 1779 – 22 August 17791787son of Karim
KhanZaki Khan Zand?6 March 1779 – 22 August 177922 August 1779son of Budaq Khan & Bay Agha
KhanSadeq Khan ZandMohammad Sadeq?22 August 1779 – 14 March 17811782son of Inaq Khan & Bay Agha
KhanAli-Morad Khan Zand172014 March 1781 – 11 February 178511 February 1785son of Allah Morad (Qeytas) Khan Zand Hazareh
KhanJafar Khan?18 February 1785 – 23 January 178923 January 1789son of Sadeq
KhanSayed Morad Khan?23 January 1789 – 10 May 178910 May 1789son of Khoda Morad Khan Zand Hazareh
KhanLotf Ali Khan176923 January 1789 – 20 March 179420 March 1794son of Ja'farDeposed, blinded and killed by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar

Qajar Empire (1794–1925)

See main article: Qajar Iran and Qajar dynasty.

Pahlavi Empire (1925–1979)

See main article: Pahlavi Iran and Pahlavi dynasty.

See also

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. http://livius.org/sources/content/behistun-persian-text/behistun-minor-inscriptions Behistun Inscription
  2. G. Posener, La première domination perse en Égypte, Cairo, 1936, pp. 30–36.
  3. [Jürgen von Beckerath]
  4. The Book of Esther in the Light of History . Dropsie College for Hebrew and Cognate Learning, Oxford University . 1451208 . 2023-03-06. Hoschander . Jacob . The Jewish Quarterly Review . 1918 . 9 . 1/2 . 1–41 . 10.2307/1451208 .
  5. Book: CNG: KINGS of PERSIS. Vādfradād (Autophradates) II. Early-mid 2nd century BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.23 g, 11h). Istakhr (Persepolis) mint. .
  6. Rezakhani . 2010. Khodadad . The "Unbekannter König III" and the Coinage of Hellenistic and Arsacid Persis . Nameye Iran-E Bastan, 15. en.
  7. Assar, 2004.Assar, 2005. Assar, "Moses of Choren & the Early Parthian Chronology", 2006.
  8. Qashqai, H., "The successors of Mithridates II"
  9. Assar, G.R.F., "A Revised Parthian Chronology of the Period 165–91 BC" Qashqai, H., "The successors of Mithridates II"
  10. Assar, G.R.F., "A Revised Parthian Chronology of the Period 165–91 BC"
  11. Josephus Flavius, Antiquities of the Jews, Book XVI, Ch.8.4
  12. Tacitus, The Annals, 11.10
  13. See: Unknown King (III) (AD 140)
  14. See: Tiridates III (AD 224 – 228?)
  15. In Persian it means "King of Kings"
  16. "The great king of Armenians"
  17. "The penetrator of the shoulders"
  18. "Queen"
  19. In arabic, ibn means son of. so muhammad ibn suri means: muhammad son of suri (so suri is his father)
  20. Muʾayyid S̲ābitī, ʻAlī (1967). Asnad va Namahha-yi Tarikhi (Historical documents and letters from early Islamic period towards the end of Shah Ismaʻil Safavi's reign.). Iranian culture & literature (46). Kitābkhānah-ʾi Ṭahūrī., pp. 193, 274, 315, 330, 332, 422 and 430. See also: Abdul Hussein Navai, Asnaad o Mokatebaat Tarikhi Iran (Historical sources and letters of Iran), Tehran, Bongaah Tarjomeh and Nashr-e-Ketab, 2536, pages 578,657, 701–702 and 707
  21. H.R. Roemer, "The Safavid Period", in Cambridge History of Iran, Vol. VI, Cambridge University Press 1986, p. 339: "Further evidence of a desire to follow in the line of Turkmen rulers is Ismail's assumption of the title 'Padishah-i-Iran', previously held by Uzun Hasan."
  22. Book: بزرگ.
  23. Web site: Ottoman and Persian Empires 1730–1875 by Sanderson Beck.
  24. Lang, David Marshall (1957), The Last Years of the Georgian Monarchy, 1658–1832, p. 148. Columbia University Press