Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Antarah ibn Shaddad

Role / Field:

Pre-Islamic Arab poet and knight, famed for his poetry and valor.

Born:

525

Died:

608

Century / Era:

525s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Antarah ibn Shaddad al-Absi (Arabic: عنترة بن شدّاد العبسيّ, romanized: ʿantara ibn šaddād al-ʿabsiyy; 525–608 AD), also known as Antar (عنتر), was a pre-Islamic Arab poet and knight belonging to the Arab tribe of Banu Abs, famous for both his poetry and his adventurous life. His chief poem forms part of the Mu'allaqat, the collection of seven "hanging odes" legendarily said to have been suspended in the Kaaba at Mecca. The account of his life forms the basis of a long and extravagant romance. Antarah was born in Najd in the Arabian Peninsula.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His father was an Arab, Shaddad al-Absi, a respected warrior of the Banu Abs under their chief Zuhayr. His mother was an Ethiopian woman named Zabibah. Described as one of three "Arab crows" (Aghribah al-'Arab)—famous Arabs with a dark complexion, Antarah grew up a slave as well. He fell in love with his cousin Abla, but could not hope to marry her owing to his position. He also gained the enmity of his father's wife Sumayya.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He gained attention and respect for himself by his personal qualities and courage in battle, excelling as an accomplished poet and a mighty warrior. He earned his freedom...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Boethius — Contemporary figure (Died in 524) (524): Influential Roman philosopher and statesman of the 6th century AD.
• Amr ibn Kulthum — Contemporary figure (Born in 526) (526): Poet and chieftain of the Taghlib tribe in pre-Islamic Arabia.
• Jinheung of Silla — Contemporary figure (Born in 526) (526): 24th monarch of Silla, responsible for immense territorial expansion and political struggles.
• Columba — Contemporary figure (Born in 521) (521): Irish abbot and missionary credited with founding Iona Abbey and spreading Christianity.
• Zuhayr bin Abi Sulma — Contemporary figure (Born in 520) (520): Master pre-Islamic Arabian poet, celebrated for profound wisdom and eloquence.
• Alboin — Contemporary figure (Born in 530) (530): King of the Lombards, whose rule marked the beginning of Lombard dominance in Italy.
• 525 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 525
• 608 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 608

Frequently Asked Questions about Antarah ibn Shaddad