History

Governments & Dynasties of Iran

The empires, dynasties and governments of Iran, from the Achaemenids to the present day — and the rulers who led them.

9 entries

Achaemenid Empire — The first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.

Parthian Empire — Arsacid dynasty; masters of cavalry warfare.

Sasanian Empire — Last great pre-Islamic Persian empire.

Safavid Dynasty — Established Twelver Shi'ism; cultural renaissance.

Afsharid Dynasty — Nader Shah’s military revival.

Zand Dynasty — Just rule of Karim Khan; arts and trade.

Qajar Dynasty — Modernization attempts and foreign pressures.

Pahlavi Dynasty — State-building and rapid modernization.

Islamic Republic of Iran — Theocratic–republican system post-1979.