Rav Ashi functioned as head of his academy for almost sixty
years. . . .
For this is what the rabbis instituted: to study two tractates
every year, whether long or short. So he [Rav Ashi] reviewed
his entire talmudic knowledge in thirty years. Since Rav
Ashi ruled close to sixty years, there were two cycles.
And he died in the year 738.
Rav Yemar ruled after him in Mata
Meøasya, and he died in the year 743
.
After him [ruled] Rav Naøman bar Rav Øuna,
and he died in the year 766
, in a time of persecution when Yezdegerd
decreed the abolition of the Sabbath.
The Rav Tavyomi, who is Mar bar Rav Ashi, ruled in Mata
Meøasya, and he died in the year 779
on the night following Yom Kippur. After him, Rabbah Tosfa'ah
[ruled,] and he died in the year 785
.
On Wednesday, the thirteenth [day] of Kislev, in the year
786,
Ravina bar Rav Huna died. He represents the end of talmudic
halakhic determination.
During those years, [the following] ruled in Pumbedita:
Rav Geviha of Be Kesil; and he died in 744.
After him, Rafram of Pumbedita; and he died in the year
754.
After him, Rav Rehumi -- or, as some have it, Rav Rehumai
-- and he died in the year 767
in the time of persecution decreed by Yezdegerd.
After him, Rav Sama the son of Rava ruled. . . .
In the year 787,
Rav Sama the son of Rava died.
After him, Rav Yose ruled. In his days was the end of talmudic
halakhic determination and the Talmud was sealed.
Most of the savoraim
died within a few years of each other, as the geonim
explained in their historical books.
