Belief in the Existence of a Single, Supreme Deity Overview Monotheism is the theological belief that only one God exists, who is the sole creator, sustainer, and moral authority of the universe. It stands in contrast to polytheism (belief in multiple gods) and atheism (denial of divine existence). Monotheism is a foundational concept in many […]
Ancient and Enduring Presence of the Jewish Faith in South Arabia Overview Judaism in Yemen refers to the historical presence and development of Jewish communities in the region of South Arabia, particularly in Yemen, from antiquity through the modern era. Yemenite Jews (Yahūd al-Yaman) represent one of the oldest Jewish diasporas, maintaining unique religious traditions,
Ancient South Arabian Alphabetic Writing System Overview The Musnad script is an ancient South Arabian consonantal script used to write the languages of the Sabaʾ, Qatabān, Ḥaḍramawt, and Maʿīn kingdoms in what is now modern Yemen and parts of Oman and Saudi Arabia. It was in use from approximately the 8th century BCE to the
Eponymous Ancestor of the Ḥimyarite Kingdom and Qaḥṭānite Tribal Confederation Overview Himyar ibn Sabaʾ (Arabic: حِمْيَر بن سَبَأ) is a legendary ancestral figure in Arab genealogical traditions, described as the son of Sabaʾ ibn Yashjub, grandson of Yaʿrub ibn Qaḥṭān, and thus part of the Qaḥṭānite lineage of the so-called al-ʿArab al-ʿĀriba (“pure Arabs”). Himyar
King of Ḥimyar and Unifier of South Arabia Overview Shammar Yuharʿish (شمّر يهرعش) was a powerful and expansionist king of the Ḥimyarite Kingdom in ancient South Arabia. He reigned during the late 3rd century CE, and is widely credited with achieving the political unification of Yemen, bringing under his rule the kingdoms of Sabaʾ, Qatabān,
Political Unification of Ancient South Arabia under the Himyarite Monarchy Overview The Unified Kingdom of Ḥimyar refers to the period during which the Ḥimyarite Kingdom successfully consolidated political control over all the major states of ancient South Arabia—namely Sabaʾ, Qatabān, Ḥaḍramawt, and Yamnat. This unification process culminated in the late 3rd century CE, establishing Ḥimyar
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Ḥimyar (Arabic: حِمْيَر), also rendered as Himyār, was a prominent South Arabian kingdom and tribal polity that emerged in the highlands of present-day Yemen. Its origins are both tribal and territorial, rooted in the ancient Semitic populations of southern Arabia and deeply connected with the broader history of the Arabian Peninsula. Genealogical and Tribal Origins
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Ancient South Arabian Kingdom and Region in Eastern Yemen Overview Ḥaḍramawt was one of the major ancient South Arabian kingdoms, centered in the southeastern region of present-day Yemen along the Wādī Ḥaḍramawt and extending to the Gulf of Aden. Flourishing from at least the 8th century BCE until the early 3rd century CE, it was
Relating to Inscriptions and the Study of Ancient Writing Definition The term epigraphic refers to anything related to epigraphy, the study, analysis, and interpretation of inscriptions—especially those carved, engraved, or written on durable materials such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. Epigraphic material is a major source of historical evidence, particularly for ancient and premodern
Pertaining to the Study of Human History Through Material Remains Definition The term archaeological refers to anything related to archaeology, the scientific study of past human societies through the recovery and analysis of material remains, such as artifacts, structures, burials, tools, pottery, and architecture. The archaeological record serves as a vital source of historical information,