person · P0270

Mar bar Rav Chanan of Ashkaya מר בר רב חנן מאשקייא

The first gaon in the Iggeret's formal roster of Pumbedita — "from the year 900" of the Seleucid era, as the academies reseated themselves after the persecutions at the end of the Persian kingdom. The atlas's geonic era band opens on this very notice.

I. Who

Hebrew
מר בר רב חנן מאשקייא
Era
geonim

II. When

Traditional
gaon of Pumbedita from 4349 AM (Seleucid 900)
Academic
gaon from 589 CE
Lifespan (traditional)
≈70 years
Precision
approximate

III. Where

Places
Pumbedita

V. How do we know

ClaimEvidenceConfidenceSources
"These are the geonim who were in our metivta in Pumbedita after these events, at the end of the Persian kingdom: from the year 900 reigned Mar bar Rav Chanan of Ashkaya" (Sel. 900 = 4349 AM = 589 CE).
No end year is given, so the role carries only its start; the lifespan band is schematic around the accession.
tradition ★★★★☆