Israel Abrahams

“ The office was hereditary and carried with it considerable power. Some traditions regarded the last king of Davidic descent (Jehoiachin) as the first exilarch, and all the later holders of the dignity claimed to be scions of the royal house of Judah. Under the Arsacids and Sassanids the office continued. In the 6th century an attempt was made to secure by force political autonomy for the Jews, but the exilarch who led the movement (Mar Zutra) was executed. For some time thereafter the office was in abeyance, but under Arabic rule there was a considerable revival of its dignity. ”

“ Homage was paid to him by the rabbinical heads of the colleges (each of whom was called Gaon, q.v.) ; rich gifts were presented; he visited the synagogue in state, where a costly canopy had been erected over his seat. ”