backbone of the Sasanian state. However, this measures of centralization caused the transfer of the power to the military (the dihqānān gradually became more independent from the government, while the four large spāhbed territories quasi-independent fiefs), and led to the eventual disintegration of the Empire. The Sasanian social, administrative and military structure and system was inherited by the Medieval Islamic civilization, however, the marzbāns steadily disappeared depending on the region, as such in Iraq diminished and were replaced by Muslim frontier warriors muqātila, while in Khorasan still had special privileges. In generally were replaced by the title dihqānān. See also Muḥammad ibn al-Marzubani (ca.910-994) List of marzbans Marzpanate Armenia Satrap, the governor of the provinces Spahbed, a similar Sassanid commandership rank Ban, a noble title which was used in various South European Balkan countries List of Iranian titles and ranks Military of the Sasanian Empire References Bibliography Further reading Officials of the Sasanian Empire Military ranks Marquesses Sasanian military offices Parthian titles and offices Persian words and phrases