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The Rise of Himyar - A New Power in Ancient Arabia (10 BCE)
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In the year 10 BCE, the Himyarite Kingdom emerged as a significant political and cultural force in the southern Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Yemen). While the exact founding date is debated among historians, this period marks the early consolidation of Himyarite power as it began to eclipse the older Sabaean and Qatabanian kingdoms.
The Himyarites were originally a tribal confederation that gained prominence by controlling key trade routes, particularly those involving frankincense, myrrh, and spices. Their strategic location along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean trade networks allowed them to flourish economically. By the 1st century BCE, they had established their capital at Zafar (later moving to Sana'a) and began asserting dominance over neighboring South Arabian states.
Himyar would later become known for its adoption of monotheistic religions—first Judaism, then Christianity, and eventually Islam. However, in 10 BCE, the kingdom was still in its early polytheistic phase, worshiping deities such as Almaqah (a moon god shared with the Sabaeans).
The rise of Himyar marked the beginning of a new era in South Arabian history. By the 4th century CE, the Himyarite Kingdom would dominate the region, even clashing with the Aksumite Empire (Ethiopia) and the Eastern Roman Empire.
Note: Historical records from this exact period are sparse, and dating the precise emergence of Himyar remains challenging. Much of what we know comes from later inscriptions, archaeological findings, and accounts from neighboring civilizations.
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