The Military Organization of the Buyids in Iraq and Iran

This paper deals with the military organization and structure of the Buyid rulers in Iraq and Iran. From the writer’s viewpoint, the expansionist policy of the Buyids, which was based on their military power, and the diverse make of their military manpower are two of the major factors in the evolution of the Buyid military force. This research includes meticulous and scholarly descriptions_ based on firsthand historical sources_ of the military equipment and armaments of that period, the military strategies and tactics of the army, the review of the troops by the king and top commanders, the salary and wage system for the soldiers and commanders, and the organization of the Buyid military forces in comparison with the neighboring states’ and those before and after them.The transfer of fiefs to military-men in exchange for their services, especially during times of financial hardship, has also been extensively addressed in this work.