Lakhmid Kingdom: Map & History
The Lakhmid kingdom, also known as al-Manādhirah (المناذرة), was an Arab kingdom that ruled parts of Southern Mesopotamia and northeastern Arabia from the late 3rd century until 602 CE.
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The Lakhmid kingdom, also known as al-Manādhirah (المناذرة), was an Arab kingdom that ruled parts of Southern Mesopotamia and northeastern Arabia from the late 3rd century until 602 CE. Governed by the Nasrid dynasty of the Banu Lakhm tribe, the kingdom was centered on Al-Hira, which served as its capital and political base.
Modern Countries Once Part of Lakhmid Kingdom
At its mapped extent, Lakhmid Kingdom covered territory in 1 present-day country. The period shown is when the mapped borders include that country, and the note says how much of it.
Largest Present-Day Cities in Its Territory
Each opens on the live map inside Lakhmid Kingdom's borders of that time.
Derived by testing mapped cities against this polity's dated territorial polygons, so the list is indicative and follows the borders in the source dataset.
Lakhmid Kingdom in Depth
History
The Lakhmids appear to have emerged soon after the emergence of the Sasanian Empire, in the late third century, appearing in the western frontiers of their sphere of hegemony. The capital of the kingdom was set up at Al-Hira, located in south-central modern Iraq. The founder of the Lakhmids' kingdom was Amr ibn Adi, who is identified as the 'Amr ibn Lakhm' in two inscriptions: the Paikuli inscription, written in Pahlavi/Parthian, and a second Coptic inscription. His reign is traditionally dated to c. 293–302 CE. Islamic histories present all Lakhmid kings, going back to the earliest period, as members of the Nasrid dynasty (Banu Nasr). However, this is unlikely, and it is only the last of the Lakhmid kings who are likely to have been members of the Banu Nasr.
Culture
Al-Hiran elites likely underwent formal education along with young Persian elites. Pre-Islamic Arabic poetry from Al-Hira, the Lakhmid capital, portrays the Lakhmids as Arab tribal chiefs who listen to the panegyric poetry of the Bedouin. They are presented as adopters and enjoyers of the famous wine culture of the Persian ruling class, which itself went on to later influence depictions of wine culture in Abbasid-era poetry. Their participation in Persian culture is also shown from their adoption of other elements of Sasanian court culture, particularly in Persian styles of accessories and furniture.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Lakhmid kingdom (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Lakhmid Kingdom: Key Facts
| Capital | Al-Hirah |
|---|---|
| Religions | Eastern Orthodoxy, Zoroastrianism, Arabian mythology |
| Founded | 268 CE |
| Dissolved | 602 CE |
Facts from Wikidata Q943191 (CC0).
Lakhmid Kingdom Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Lakhmid Kingdom appears, with the other states of the time.
Lakhmid Kingdom Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 259,124 km² in 500 CE.
Lakhmid Kingdom: Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Lakhmid Kingdom exist?
The Lakhmid Kingdom is dated to 270 CE – 633 CE, in the Classical Antiquity era.
What was the capital of the Lakhmid Kingdom?
The capital of the Lakhmid Kingdom was Al-Hira.
How large was the Lakhmid Kingdom at its peak?
At its peak in 500 AD the Lakhmid Kingdom covered about 259,124 km².
How did the map of the Lakhmid Kingdom change over time?
The Lakhmid Kingdom appears on 4 dated world maps in the atlas, from 300 CE to 600 CE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.