Gelae (tribe)

The Gelae (also spelled Geli, Gelae, or Ghilani) were an ancient tribe inhabiting the southwestern shores of the Caspian Sea, in the region south of the Kura River and roughly corresponding to the modern Iranian province of Gilan.

Historically, the Gelae are mentioned by various classical authors, including Strabo and Pliny the Elder. Their exact origins are debated, and they are often associated with other Caspian tribes like the Cadusii. Some scholars link them to the Gelonians described by Herodotus as living in Scythia.

The Gelae were known for their martial prowess and independent spirit. They frequently clashed with neighboring kingdoms and empires, including the Parthians and later the Sasanian Empire. Their mountainous terrain provided a natural defense, making conquest difficult.

The name "Gilan," the modern name of the region they inhabited, is believed to be derived from the name of this tribe. Over time, the Gelae likely assimilated into the broader Iranian population, contributing to the ethnogenesis of the modern Gilaki people. Their language is believed to have been related to other ancient Caspian languages. While the specific details of their culture and language are not fully known due to limited surviving evidence, their historical presence has left a lasting legacy in the region's name and history.