| Kawus | |
|---|---|
| PadishkhwargarShah | |
| Reign | 520 – 532 |
| Predecessor | Unknown |
| Successor | Unknown |
| Born | 492 |
| Died | 533 (aged 40–41) Ctesiphon,Asoristan |
| House | House of Sasan |
| Father | Kavadh I |
| Mother | Sambice |
| Religion | Mazdakism |
Kawus, recorded asCaoses byProcopius of Caesarea andKayus (كيوس) by early Islamic sources, was the eldest son ofKavadh I, theSasanian emperor of Iran. During the late reign of his father, Kawus was appointed as governor ofTabaristan, and was given the title ofPadishkhwargar Shah (king ofPadishkhwargar).
Kawus was probably named after the mythical/legendary kingKay Kawus (Avestan:Kauui Usan). The names of his father and his brothers also suggest a renewed late Sasanian interest in the Iranian legendary history and particularly theKayanid Dynasty.
Kawus might have initially been theheir presumptive to the Sasanian throne. However, following the outbreak of theMazdakite revolt, Kawus was accused of supportingMazdak and adhering to his heresy. His younger brotherKhosrau, who was known for his support of orthodoxZoroastrianism, was favoured by the nobles and the Zoroastrian clerics. As a result, Kawus was passed over as the heir and the throne was offered to Khosrau.
During the late reign of his father, Kawus was appointed as governor ofTabaristan around 520 and was given the title ofPadishkhwargar Shah (king ofPadishkhwargar).[1] In 532, Kawus aided Khosrau in defeating the Turks, and conqueredGhazni. However, when Kawus returned to Tabaristan after his victory, he rebelled and claimed the Sasanian throne from Khosrau. In order to limit his brother’s base of power, Khosrau ordered the death of Mazdak and many of his prominent followers who supported Kawus. Kawus was defeated and brought toCtesiphon, where he was given the option to confess his sins or die. He chose death.[2]