University of Bahrain

college of Literature

Department of Social Sciences

Department of History

Ancient Arabia: “Namara Inscription “

What does the historical source tell us about the culture and period in which it
was written?
In the 4 th century CE; the inscription was produced following the death of the
Lakhmid ruler Imru’ al-Qais bin ‘Amr bin ‘Adi on December 7, 328 CE.
What does it tell us about the author?
Author Unspecified. Nonetheless, the historical source does include many of the
claims that were boasted by the Lakhmid ruler ‘Imru al-Qais during his reign,
which were then included in his epitaph.
What does it tell us about the intended audience of the source?
The intended audience was the tribal confederation of Madhhij and some
descendants of Ma'ad.
What does it tell us about the people and places mentioned?
The people mentioned ‘Imru al-Qais, ‘Amr, and Shammar are the only explicit
examples. Other than that, the inscription refers to Arab tribes and divisions. in
the places mentioned Only Najran is explicitly mentioned in the historical
source. Of course, ‘Imru al-Qais was the Lakhmid king of Al-Hirah, and his
mention of different Arab tribes implies the territories in which these tribes
lived.
What does the historical source tell us that is objective, and what represents the
author’s viewpoint?
It is told as about interesting subject an inscription (epitaph) originally from the
tomb of the Lakhmid king, containing an account of his titles, main
achievements, and date of death. The text was written objectively.
The author's point of view was to narrate the events that glorify the king of the
Arabs, Imru' al-Qays bin Amr and Imru al-Qais defeating the Asadis, the tribal
confederation of Madhhij, and some descendants of Ma’ad, appointing them
viceroys on behalf of the Romans.