Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Al-Akhtal al-Taghlibi

Role / Field:

Famous Iraqi poet of the Umayyad period, known for panegyrics and satire.

Born:

640

Died:

709

Century / Era:

640s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ghiyath ibn Ghawth ibn al-Salt ibn Tariqa al-Taghlibi (Arabic: غياث بن غوث بن الصلت بن طارقة التغلبي) commonly known as al-Akhtal (Arabic: الأخطل, lit. 'The Loquacious') was one of the most famous Arab poets of the Umayyad period. He belonged to the Banu Taghlib tribe, and was, like his fellow-tribesmen, a Christian. Al-Akhtal al-Taghlibî was one of the great panegyrists of the Umayyad period.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He became famous for his satires and panegyrics in a period when poetry was an important political instrument. Al-Akhtal was introduced to Yazid I by Ka'b ibn Ju'ayl and became a close friend of the heir apparent to Caliph Mu'awiya I (r. 661–680). Yazid, when he acceded to the throne, was generous to al-Akhtal. Despite his Christianity, he was favored by leading Umayyad caliphs.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Throughout his life, al-Akhtal was a supporter of the ruling Umayyad dynasty. He was a friend of John of Damascus until the latter decided to give up his position at the Umayyad court and become a monk. He lauded in his panegyrics Yazid, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and al-Walid I and in his satires attacked all the opponents of the caliphs. Al-Akhtal became the official court poet of Abd al-Malik, to whom he...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abu Sufyan — Contemporary (Died in 640) (640): Prominent Quraysh leader who opposed Islam before converting to become a key figure in early Islamic statecraft.
• Asparuh of Bulgaria — Contemporary (Born in 640) (640): Founder of the First Bulgarian Empire, a powerful Bulgar Khan.
• Musa ibn Nusayr — Contemporary (Born in 640) (640): Key Umayyad commander who conquered the Maghreb and Iberia for the Caliphate.
• Yan Zhenqing — Contemporary (Born in 709) (709): Master calligrapher, general, and politician of the Tang Dynasty.
• Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah — Contemporary figure (Died in 639) (639): Pious Companion and Military Commander of the Prophet Muhammad
• Al-Farazdaq — Contemporary figure (Born in 641) (641): A preeminent 7th-century Arab poet and orator, celebrated for his mastery of satire.
• Heraclius — Contemporary figure (Died in 641) (641): Byzantine Emperor who successfully defended the Empire against the Persians and early Arab forces.
• Huineng — Contemporary figure (Born in 638) (638): Semi-legendary Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, founder of Sudden Enlightenment.
• Pope Honorius I — Contemporary figure (Died in 638) (638): Bishop of Rome noted for correspondence on Monothelite doctrines and Anglo-Saxon missions.
• Bilal ibn Rabah — Contemporary figure (Died in 642) (642): Pioneering Muslim companion, first mu'azzin, and symbol of early African faith.
• 640 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 640
• 709 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 709

Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Akhtal al-Taghlibi