Gamaliel I., a grandson of Hillel, and like him designated Ha-Zagen (the Elder), by which is apparently indicated that he was numbered among the Sanhedrin, the high council of Jerusalem.
According to the tradition of the schools of Palestine Gamaliel succeeded his grandfather and his father (of the latter nothing is known but his name, Simeon) as Nasi, or president of the Sanhedrin.
Even if this tradition does not correspond with historic fact, it is at any rate certain that Gamaliel took a leading position in the Sanhedrin, and enjoyed the highest repute as an authority on the subject of knowledge of the Law and in the interpretation of the Scriptures.
To distinguish him from the latter he is also called Gamaliel of Jabneh.
Gamaliel's position was recognized by the Roman government also.