Ruins of Ma'rib, Yemen
Ma'rib (or Marib) was the capital of the Sabaean kingdom, which some scholars believe to be the ancient Sheba of biblical fame. It is located approximately 120 kilometers east of Yemen's capital, Sana'a. It has a current population of 16,794. Ma'rib is sometimes referred to as "the Al Qaeda capital of Yemen".
The Sabaean kings made their capital at Ma'rib, and built great irrigation works such as the Ma'rib dams, whose ruins are still visible. The Marib Dam supported a flourishing culture for more than a thousand years; it collapsed in 575 CE, leading to a collapse of the economy and political structure.
The Sabaeans were known for trading frankincense and myrrh. They were a seafaring people and were known to have influence and a population in the Northeast African kingdom of Dʿmt, across the Red Sea in Eritrea and Ethiopia, the only other source of both frankincense and myrrh.
The site of ancient Ma'rib was largely abandoned during the 20th century. Although a small village remains, the multi-story mud-brick buildings of the historic city are largely in ruins. The modern city of Ma'rib is located about 3.5 kilometers north of the center of the ancient city.
Ruins of Ma'rib, Yemen
Ma'rib (or Marib) was the capital of the Sabaean kingdom, which some scholars believe to be the ancient Sheba of biblical fame. It is located approximately 120 kilometers east of Yemen's capital, Sana'a. It has a current population of 16,794. Ma'rib is sometimes referred to as "the Al Qaeda capital of Yemen".
The Sabaean kings made their capital at Ma'rib, and built great irrigation works such as the Ma'rib dams, whose ruins are still visible. The Marib Dam supported a flourishing culture for more than a thousand years; it collapsed in 575 CE, leading to a collapse of the economy and political structure.
The Sabaeans were known for trading frankincense and myrrh. They were a seafaring people and were known to have influence and a population in the Northeast African kingdom of Dʿmt, across the Red Sea in Eritrea and Ethiopia, the only other source of both frankincense and myrrh.
The site of ancient Ma'rib was largely abandoned during the 20th century. Although a small village remains, the multi-story mud-brick buildings of the historic city are largely in ruins. The modern city of Ma'rib is located about 3.5 kilometers north of the center of the ancient city.