Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Hamdani is a noted grammarian, wrote much poetry, compiled astronomical tables, and devoted most of his life to the study of the ancient history and geography of Arabia.
His biography is scanty, despite his extensive scientific work.
Al-Hamdani’s family originally lived in al-Marashi, later moving to Sanaa' before 893, the year in which he was born.
His father, a traveler, had been to Kufa, Baghdad, Basra, Oman and Egypt.
Al-Hamdānī eventually left for Mecca, studying there for more than six years.
He then left for Sa'dah and stayed for some time, gathered information on Khawlaan.
He later returned to San'a and gathered information on Himyar.
His outspokenness and his opposition to the local politics led him to prison.
Released after two years, he left for Rayda for the protection of his tribe, compiling most of his books there and remaining until his death in 945.
His Geography of the Arabian Peninsula (Sifat Jazirat ul-Arab) is by far the most important work on the subject.
