Sangam period is the period in the history of ancient southern India (known as the Tamilakam)  spanning from c. 3rd century BC to c. 4th century AD. It is named after the famous Sangam academies of poets and scholars centered in the city of Madurai.

Tamiḻakam or the Ancient Tamiḻ country refers to the Sangam period (3rd century BCE - 4th century CE) territory of old South Indian kingdoms covering modern Tamil Nadu, Kerala and southern parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka. Historians use the term synonymous with South India to refer to the Tamil-speaking regions of India, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Tamilakam was mentioned as Dravida in the ancient Sanskrit and Prakrit literatures.