# Ferdowsi

> Persian poet, author of Shahnameh (940–1020)

**Wikidata**: [Q43459](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43459)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdowsi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ferdowsi

## Summary
Ferdowsi (Abu'l-Qasim Firdawsi) was a Persian poet and writer who lived from approximately 940 to 1020, most notably as the author of the epic poem Shahnameh, which chronicles Persian history and mythology.

## Biography
- Born: 940-01-03 (approximate), unknown place
- Nationality: Iranian
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Author of the epic poem Shahnameh
- Employer(s): Not specified in source material
- Field(s): Poetry, literature

## Contributions
Ferdowsi is credited with writing the epic poem Shahnameh, which was created between approximately 1000 and 1011 AD. The work is considered one of the most significant literary achievements in Persian literature and Persian history.

## FAQs
- Where is Ferdowsi buried?  
  Ferdowsi is buried in Tus, Iran, at the Ferdowsi Mausoleum, which is recognized as an Iranian national heritage site.
- What is the Shahnameh?  
  The Shahnameh is an epic poem written by Ferdowsi that chronicles Persian history from the creation of the world to the Islamic conquest, containing 50,000 verses and 62 stories.
- What was Ferdowsi's birth year?  
  Ferdowsi was born around 940 AD, with specific dates recorded as 940-00-00T00:00:00Z or 940-01-03T00:00:00Z.
- What is the significance of the Shahnameh?  
  The Shahnameh is considered the national epic of Iran and has had a profound influence on Persian literature, culture, and identity.

## Why They Matter
Ferdowsi's work, particularly the Shahnameh, has had an enduring impact on Persian culture and literature. The epic has served as a foundational text for understanding Persian history and mythology, influencing generations of writers, artists, and scholars. Without Ferdowsi's creation of the Shahnameh, Persian literature would have lacked one of its most significant and enduring works, and the narrative of Persian history would be considerably different.

## Notable For
- Author of the epic poem Shahnameh (1000-1011 AD)
- Recognized as a national hero in Iran
- The Ferdowsi Mausoleum in Tus is a national heritage site
- The epic poem contains 50,000 verses and 62 stories
- The Shahnameh is considered the national epic of Iran

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Ferdowsi was born around 940 AD, with specific dates recorded as 940-00-00T00:00:00Z or 940-01-03T00:00:00Z. He was of Persian descent and lived during the transition between the Samanid Empire (inception: +0819-00-00T00:00:00Z) and the emerging Ghaznavid Empire (inception: +0962-00-00T00:00:00Z). His full name was Abu'l-Qasim Firdawsi, and he was also known by several other aliases including Ferdowsi Tousi, Firdawsi, Firdusi, and others.

### The Creation of Shahnameh
Ferdowsi spent approximately 30 years (from around 1000 to 1011 AD) composing the epic poem Shahnameh. The work consists of 50,000 verses and 62 stories, covering the history of Iran from the creation of the world to the Islamic conquest. The epic was written in the New Persian language and became the cornerstone of Persian literature.

### Historical Context
During Ferdowsi's lifetime, Iran was experiencing significant political changes. The Samanid Empire, which had been a major Persian power, was declining, while the Ghaznavid Empire was rising in influence. This period of transition is reflected in the themes of the Shahnameh, which emphasizes Persian identity and history.

### Legacy and Influence
Ferdowsi's work has had a profound and lasting impact on Persian culture. The Shahnameh became the national epic of Iran and has been translated into numerous languages. It has influenced countless artists, writers, and scholars throughout history. The Ferdowsi Mausoleum in Tus, where he is buried, is now a national heritage site and a major tourist attraction.

### Related Works and Characters
The Shahnameh contains numerous characters and stories that have become part of Persian mythology. Notable figures include Rostam, the heroic figure who appears in many of the epic's stories, and Tahmuras, a mythological Iranian king. The epic also includes the love story of Bijan and Manijeh, which has been adapted in various forms throughout history.

### Modern Recognition
Today, Ferdowsi is celebrated as one of the greatest poets in Persian literature. His work has been studied extensively and is considered essential reading for anyone interested in Persian culture and history. The Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, established in 1949, is named in his honor, reflecting his enduring legacy. Additionally, there are places named after him, including Ferdowsi Street in Tehran and Ferdowsieh city in Tehran Province.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. The Fine Art Archive
3. Library of the World's Best Literature
4. CiNii Research
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. Lingua Libre
8. Visuotinė lietuvių enciklopedija Online
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
11. Quora
12. LIBRIS. 2018
13. [Source](http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/object/EA1960.212)
14. Metropolitan Museum of Art
15. HMML Authority File
16. Digital Scriptorium Catalog