Barmecides

Barmecides, a Persian family descended from Barmak, a physician and priest of Balkh. The famous Haroun Alraschid was educated by Kheled, a member of the family, whose son Yahya became his grand vizier on his accession in 786. Yahya's four sons also held high office under the same caliph, who suddenly became jealous, it is probable, of their power and popularity, though various accounts of the circumstances are given, and according to some accounts had the whole family massacred (802 A.D.). Their splendour was a frequent theme of oriental poets.