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Abu Kalijar Marzuban aka Samsam al-Dawla (c. 963 – December 998) was the Buyid amir of Iraq (983–987), as well as Fars and Kerman (988 or 989 – 998). He was the second son of 'Adud al-Dawla.The Abbasaid recognized his succession and conferred upon him the title Samsam Al-Dawla. Samsam's rule lasted for barely four years. He lacked the qualities of his father 'Adud al-Dawla and failed to have a grip upon his state affairs. His rule was marked by revolts and civil wars in the Buwayhids.

During 'Adud al-Dawla's lifetime, Abu Kalijar Marzuban was assigned the governorships of Buyid Oman and Khuzestan. Despite Marzuban's status as second son (Shirdil being the eldest), he was considered to be his father's heir. This issue was never completely clarified by 'Adud al-Dawla before his death, resulting in a succession crisis. Marzuban, who was in Baghdad when his father died, at first kept his death secret in order to ensure his succession.When he made the death of his father public, he took the title "Samsam al-Dawla".

Contents [hide] 1 Sharaf al-Dawla 2 Early reign 3 Regaining his lost position 4 Losing power 5 References

[edit]Sharaf al-Dawla

Shirdil also laid his claims to the succession, and from his province of Kerman invaded and captured Fars. He took the title "Sharaf al-Dawla". Sharaf al-Dawla's invasion of Fars provided two more of Samsam al-Dawla's brothers, Taj al-Dawla and Diya' al-Dawla, to set up their own rule inBasra and Khuzestan. In Diyar Bakr, a Kurd named Badh ibn Hasanwaih took power and forced Samsam al-Dawla to confirm him as its ruler. To the north, Samsam al-Dawla's uncle Fakhr al-Dawla ruled an extensive territory from Ray. The rulers of Basra and Khuzestan soon acknowledged Fakhr al-Dawla as senior amir, making the latter the most powerful of the Buyids and moving the senior amirate from Iraq to Jibal.

[edit]Early reign

Despite Fakhr al-Dawla's power, it was Sharaf al-Dawla who posed the largest threat to Samsam al-Dawla. He recovered Buyid Oman, which had earlier seceded to Samsam al-Dawla. In 985, a daylamite chief Saffar ibn Quddawiyah revolted against the authority of Samsam he joined with (Shirdil. Saffar lead a forcw against Samsam to Baghdad. Samsam sent a stronger force in retaliation consequently Saffar was defeated.In early 986 Samsam captured Basra and Khuzestan, forcing the two brothers to flee to Fakhr al-Dawla's territory. After the defeat of Saffar, Sharaf himself marched against Samsam. Sharaf occupied Ahwaz, then sent his forces to Wasit which fell to him in 986 AD.From their Samsam marched to Baghdad. Before any confrontation could take place, there was a revolt in the army of Samsam, He was therefore defeated and forced to surrender. There upon Baghdad fell to Sharaf and Samsam was put in prison.^[1]

[edit]Regaining his lost position