QATABAN

The kingdom can be dated back to the second millennium through a graffito inscription [i] that is said to be the oldest inscription in South Arabia. Qataban began with rulers called Mukarribs [ii] that led the kingdom for centuries. By the end of the fifth century BCE, a Mukarrib named Yadiab Dhubyan [iii] likely built the gate known today as South Gate of Timna [iv]. Qataban’s most prominent and successful period came between 350 BCE and 50 BCE, however the kingdom was then invaded by an unknown group and set on fire, leading to its destruction. The kingdoms of Sabaean [v] and Dhu-Raidan [vi] then replaced Qataban.

Qataban is known to have had very few allies [vii], yet their most prominent, complicated, and fluctuating allyship was with Saba in South Arabia. At the start of the Sabaean Empire, Qataban was one of Saba’s four major kingdoms until it became independent by the 3rd century BCE. Qataban and Saba then formed an allyship, and the Qataban civilization went on to claim regions that had been heavily influenced by Saba. The Qataban pursued an expanionalist ruling style throughout the region, which threatened Saba; and as they grew and gained more power, they were eventually known to be a rival of Saba.

Some of the most notable elements of the Qataban Era, in addition to the ancient graffito inscriptions, were the Qatabans’ ornate tombstones [viii] and burial habits. Qataban tombs were structured with chambers and included pottery vessels, jewelry, and furniture. Their art also contributed to many popular styles in South Arabia today. Qataban culture was the first to reference the symbol of a bull as a representation of the afterlife [ix]. The people of Qataban also discovered incense, specifically frankincense and myrrh. These were burned at altars, traded, and contributed to the kingdom’s wealth. Today, incense continues to be used for its natural aroma.

When the Qataban civilization was first established, they were ruled by Mukarribs; also known as priestly kings, and a monarchy became their established ruling system. While they were ranked lower than kings, the Mukarribs were the face of the kingdom and community. The second era of kings [x] in the Qataban Civilization came to fruition during the late Persian and early Hellenstic times starting with King Abshibam. The Dynasty was named after Abshibam’s son, Shahr Ghaylan [xi], who wrote many of the preserved inscriptions. The most famous king, Shahr Yagil, was known for his expansion and conquered the Minaean Dynasty [xii] during his rule.

The beginning of the empire is marked by the Qataban civilization’s sovereignty from Saba. The Qatabian people called themselves the “children of Amm'' in reference to the moon god they worshipped. The Qataban capital, Timna, was a prominent trade route in the area. Once Qataban became a sovereign civilization, the kingdom implemented legislature, laws, and regulations [xiii] for commerce and markets along this route. Once the kingdom gained more power and expanded, tensions increased with their former ally, Saba; leading to many battles [xiv] between Qataban, Saba, Ma’in, and Hadhramaut [xv]. The Qataban Empire officially declined in 50 BCE upon invasion by an unknown group.

The capital of Qataban, Timna, is where the South Gate is located. This monumental landmark contains the majority of the inscriptions that scholars and archeologists use today to learn about the kingdom of Qataban. The most enduring legacy of the Qataban kingdom is their assertiveness through laws and regulations. Laws [xvi] regarding land, homes, and regulations for burials [xvii] were preserved in history. When acquiring land, a house, or making a trade, the Qataban government was careful and specific with their legal processes.The Qataban Kingdom [xviii] also acquired a massive amount of land, which aligned with their plan to expand in the region [xix]

The Qataban Kingdom’s main source of wealth was the trade of incense, frankincense, and myrrh. Timna, the kingdom’s capital, was also a stop along the bustling trade route [xx] between Saba and Marib. With the trade of these goods, their central location, and the tax earned from their exports, the Qataban society became wealthy. Gold and silver coins, along with jewelry, and furniture [xxi] were found in many Qataban tombs, demonstrating the empire’s use of coins as a standard currency. The Qataban people also maintained elaborate tombstones [xxii] which were each multiple tiers deep and included intricate decor and art, signifying a wealthy society.