|
The ancient history of Yemen is more then 3000 years old. Its history can be traced back to 1000 BC when this Middle East nation was ruled by Minean, Sabaean and Himyarite kingdoms respectively. The ancestral monuments and buildings located there provide huge information about the history of Yemen.
As per the earliest history of Yemen, spice trade was the main occupation of the Minaeans in this Middle East country. Myrrh and frankincense were the two prestigious items that generated the highest revenue as they were exported to other kingdoms. They were valued more because of their usage during various religious ceremonies in Rome, Greece and Egypt.
Minaeans established their capital at Sadah. But later in the year 950 BC, their position was taken over by Sabaeans who made Marib as their capital. The Sabaeans were the first to venture into agriculture. A dam was constructed by them during the 8th century at Marib. This dam provided them water for irrigation. Ancient Sabean writings on the walls of this dam are worth checking out.
The third kingdom, which forms an integral part of the history of Yemen, was the Himyarite. They had set up their capital at Dhafar. Port of al-Muza on Red Sea was the place from where they carried out their trade activities. With the entry of the Romans into Yemen by the 1st century BC, the ancient history of Yemen took a new direction.
|
