This series of dynasties was ended by the Sel juks (q.v.), whose dominion extended from the Hellespont to A branch of this dynasty, which ruled in Khwarcsm (see gradually acquired the greater part of Persia, driving out the Ghaznevides and their successors. the Ohnrides (see GITURI) but,together with the petty dynasties which had established themselves in the southwestern provinces, they were swept away by the Mongols under Genghis Khan (q.v.) and his grandson, Hulagu Khan, the latter the founder of a new dynasty, the (1253-1335). This was supplanted by the 11 khans in 1335, but an inroad of the Tatars under 'fimur (q.v.) again freed Persia from the petty dynasties which misruled it. After the (4cath of Timor's son and successor, Shah Rukh, the Turkomans took possession of the western part of the country, while the eastern portion was divided among Timur's descendants, until, at the close of the fifteenth century, the Uzbeks (q.v.) added all Eastern Persia to their new Khanate of Khiva.
In 1500 a new dynasty arose in Western Persia. Ismail, the first prince of this line, became the leader of a number of Turkish tribes, overthrew the Turkomans, and seized Azerbaijan, which was the seat of their power. He quickly subdued the western provinces, and in 1511 took Khorasan and Balkh from the Uzbeks; but in 1514 lie had to encounter a much more formidable enemy in Selim 1. (q.v.), the Sultan of Turkey. The Per sians were totally defeated in a battle on the frontiers; but after his retreat Ismail attacked and subdued Georgia. His son, Tamasp (1523 76), a prudent and spirited ruler, repeatedly drove out the Uzbeks from Khorasan, defeated the Turks, and assisted Humayun, the son of Haber, to regain the throne of Delhi. After a period of upheaval, during which the Turks and Uzbeks attacked the empire, Shah Abbas I., the Great (1585-1628), ascended the throne, restored tranquillity, and repelled the invaders. In 1605 he inflicted on the Turks a defeat which enabled him to recover the whole of Kurdistan. Mosul, and Diarbekir, which had for a long time been separated from Persia; while in the east Kanda har was taken from the Great Mogul. The gov ernment of Abbas was strict but just. He con structed at immense expense roads, bridges, cara vansaries, and other conveniences for trade, and, with a tolerance unusual in a Mohammedan, he encouraged the Armenian Christians to settle in the country, knowing that their industry would help to advance the prosperity of his kingdom. His successors, Shah Sufi (1628-41), Shah Abbas II. (1641-66), and Shah Sulaiman (1666-94), were undistinauished by any remarkable talents, although the two former were sensible and ju dicious rulers, and advanced the prosperity of their subjects. During the reign of Sultan
Hussein (1694-1722) priests and slaves were elevated to the most important offices of the empire, and religious persecution ran riot. The consequence was a general discontent, of which the Afghans took advantage by declaring their independence and seizing Kandahar (1709). Their leader, Mir Vais, died in 1715, but one of his successors. Mahmud, invaded Persia (1722), defeated Bussein'sarmies.and besieged the Sultan in Ispahan. Hussein then abdicated the throne in favor of Mahmud, who, on his accession, im mediately devoted his energies to gaining the con fidence of his new subjects. lie became insane and was deposed in 1725 by his brother Ashraf (1725-29), hut the latter's tyranny was ended by Nadir Shah (q.v.). who raised first Tamasp (1729-32), and then his son, Abbas II. (1732-36), of the Sefevid race, to the throne. Not content with the nominal rule, Nadir Shah found a pre text to depose Abbas, and seized the sceptre (1736-47). On his death anarchy reigned; the country was devastated by the rival claimants' for the throne; Afghanistan and Beluehistan finally separated from Persia, and the country was divided into a 11111111/Cr of small independ ent States till 1755. when a Kurd named Kerim khan (1755-79) rei:stablished unity in Western Persia, and by his wisdom, justice, Ad valor gained the esteem of his subjects and the respect of neighboring States. After a period of anarchy I.utf Ali ascended the throne in 1789, lint was attacked by Agha Mohammed, a eunuch of the Kaja race, who had set up an independent prin Hitt. in Mazanderan. Agha Mohammed tri umphed in 1793, becoming the founder of the present dynasty. On his accession he announced his intention of regaining what had been lost since the reign of Kerimkhan, and accordingly invaded Khorasan and Georgia, subduing the former country almost without effort. The Georgians, besought the aid of Russia. but Agha Mo hammed at once marched his army into the coun try and devastated it with fire and sword; his con quest was, however, hardly completed when he was assassinated, May 14, 1797. his Futteh Ali (1797-1834), succeeded him, and after a period of conflict succeeded in fully establishing his authority. He completely subdued the rebel lious tribes in Khorasan, but was involved in a war with Russia soon after his accession, and by a treaty concluded in 1797 was forced to surrender Derbend and several districts on the Km.