khayyam crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "khayyam crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line of your puzzle.
Solutions for "khayyam crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OMAR: The first name of the celebrated Persian polymath, astronomer, and poet, Omar Khayyam.
POET: A primary occupation of Omar Khayyam, renowned for his literary works, especially 'The Rubaiyat'.
7 Letters
PERSIAN: Refers to Omar Khayyam's nationality and cultural heritage.
8 Letters
RUBAYYAT: The famous collection of quatrains (poems) attributed to Omar Khayyam, his most recognized literary work.
10 Letters
ASTRONOMER: One of Omar Khayyam's many fields of study, where he made significant contributions to calendar reform.
More About "khayyam crossword clue"
Omar Khayyam (1048 – 1131 AD) was a truly remarkable figure in medieval Islamic history. Born in Nishapur, Persia (modern-day Iran), he was far more than just a poet. Khayyam was a brilliant mathematician who contributed to the understanding of cubic equations, an astronomer who helped reform the Persian calendar (which is still in use today as the Jalali calendar), and a philosopher whose ideas resonated deeply with his era.
While his scientific and mathematical contributions were immense, it is his poetic work, 'The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam', that secured his place in Western popular culture. Translated and popularized by Edward FitzGerald in the 19th century, 'The Rubaiyat' is a collection of quatrains (rubāʿīyāt) exploring themes of love, wine, transience, and the mysteries of life and death. Its philosophical depth and evocative imagery have made it a favorite among readers and a recurring subject in crosswords, often appearing under clues referencing his name, his profession, or his famous collection of verses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Beyond the Obvious: For clues like "khayyam crossword clue", consider not just the person's name but also their famous works, nationality, profession, or notable achievements. Khayyam can refer to OMAR, POET, RUBAYYAT, PERSIAN, or even ASTRONOMER.
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. If you have "khayyam" and a 4-letter slot, OMAR or POET are prime candidates. If it's 8 letters, RUBAYYAT is highly likely.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to any other words in the clue or surrounding clues. Sometimes a simple word like "Persian writer" or "quatrain writer" will narrow down the answer to Khayyam.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't be afraid to leave a blank and come back to it. Solving intersecting words can often provide critical letters that reveal a longer, trickier answer like RUBAYYAT or ASTRONOMER.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Omar Khayyam?
Omar Khayyam was a Persian polymath, including a mathematician, astronomer, and poet, best known in the West for his collection of poems called 'The Rubaiyat'.
What is 'The Rubaiyat'?
'The Rubaiyat' (or 'Rubáiyát') is a collection of quatrains (a four-line verse form) attributed to Omar Khayyam. It gained significant popularity in the Western world through Edward FitzGerald's translation.
Why is Omar Khayyam often found in crosswords?
His name and his famous work are concise and distinct, fitting well into various grid patterns. His multifaceted identity (poet, astronomer, Persian) also allows for diverse clueing angles, making him a versatile and popular crossword subject.