kawus' son khaydar, known by his royal title of afshin, became a general in the abbasid army and fought against khurramite rebels and their leader babak khoramdin in azerbaijan (816-837). in 841 afshin was arrested in samarra on suspicion of plotting against the caliphate. a single location was used for the crucifixion of afshin, maziyar, and babak's corpses. after his death ustrushana was islamified whereas before he preserved temples from ruin.