person · P0283

Rav Natronai bar Hilai רב נטרונאי בר הילאי

Gaon of Sura for eight years and one of the great respondents of the age — hundreds of his responsa survive, including the first written enumeration of the hundred daily blessings. Grandson of Hilai Gaon.

I. Who

Hebrew
רב נטרונאי בר הילאי
Also known as
Natronai Gaon
Era
geonim
Parents
Rav Hilai bar Mari
Children
Rav Hilai bar Natronai

II. When

Traditional
gaon of Sura c. 4613–4621 AM
Academic
gaon c. 853–861 CE
Lifespan (traditional)
≈61 years
Precision
approximate

III. Where

Places
Sura

V. How do we know

ClaimEvidenceConfidenceSources
"After him Mar Rav Natronai the gaon bar Mar Rav Hilai the gaon bar Mar Rav Mari, eight years" — placed c. 853–861 CE in the standard rosters.
The Iggeret gives tenure lengths without absolute anchors for Sura's geonim; CE anchoring follows the Sura Academy roster.
tradition external ★★★☆☆