This book offers a comprehensive exploration of nomadism in Iran, spanning three millennia and shedding light on the pivotal role of the Shamlu tribe in shaping the country’s landscape. While early evidence of nomadism is scrutinized, emphasis is placed on the emergence of Persian tribes, notably the Shamlu, as highlighted by Herodotus. The narrative delves into the migration of Iranian speakers onto the plateau during the late second or early first millennium B.C., setting the stage for the rise of nomadic groups. From Late Antiquity to early Islamic times, nomadic communities are examined, with particular attention to the contributions and influence of the Shamlu tribe. Subsequent major nomadic incursions in medieval times significantly altered Iran’s demographic makeup, with Western visitors estimating that nomads comprised 25–50% of the population by the nineteenth century. The book underscores the profound social transformations resulting from enforced sedentarization and integration into the market economy, illustrating the enduring impact of the Shamlu tribe and other nomadic groups on Iran’s history and development.
