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,
Definition and Etymology The term al-ʿArab al-ʿĀriba (العرب العاربة), usually translated as “the pure Arabs” or “the original Arabs,” appears in early Islamic genealogical traditions to describe tribes believed to be the indigenous inhabitants of Arabia. The adjective ʿāriba derives from the root ʿ-r-b (ع-ر-ب), which is associated with eloquence and Arabness, and thus implies
Abraha (Abrāhah اَبرَاهَه) was a king of Yemen, well known for his failed invasion of Mecca. Origin Abraha was originally a slave of a Roman merchant involved in shipping in Adilus. He came to Yemen as a common soldier in the army of King Ella Esbeha. Rise to Power The invading army of King Ella
The lands of pre-Islamic Arabia, which did not have any formal state and were governed by tribal traditions, are called the Tribal Zone of pre-Islamic Arabia. State vs. Non-State The whole of Arabia did not consist of the Tribal Zone. The north and south of the Arabian Peninsula had developed states. Syria, Iraq, and Yemen
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