The foundation of Lahijan is attributed to 'Lahij Ebne Saam'. Oljaito, the Mongol ruler conquered Lahijan in 705 AH. Then Amir Teimoor attacked this region. Finally, Shah Abbas I defeated 'Khan Ahmad' and thereafter the Safavid governors ruled this city. Some events in the history of this city include: An outbreak of plague in 703, the conflagration of 850, and the occupation of Lahijan by the Russian army in June 1725. Lahijan was one of the main bases of the Jungle Movement.
