Cultural Yemen

Ancient Kingdom of Saba

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The Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib comprise 7 archaeological sites representative of this ancient civilisation of South Arabia.

The Kingdom flourished from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE and mainly relied on the trade of incense. The Landmarks contain the ruins of the Great Marib Dam, an ancient wonder of the world for its innovative irrigation system whose destruction was referenced in the Koran. The city of Marib was the largest and most populous in the kingdom and was surrounded by a 4.5km long wall. Outside the city are the remains of two Sabean temples, the oval temple of Awwam, known as the sanctuary of the Queen of Sheba, and the Barran temple, dedicated to the moon god Almaqah.

Community Perspective: having visited in 1996, long before the site became inscribed via the emergency procedure, Solivagant details its history and his visit to a region that held a reputation for kidnapping visitors.

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, Marib (ID: 1700)
Country
Yemen
Status
Inscribed 2023 Site history
History of Ancient Kingdom of Saba
2023: In Danger
At inscription (Emergency Nomination), due to Collateral and deliberate damage of the related to the ongoing war in Yemen, Vandalism and looting and other factors.
2023: Inscribed
Inscribed
In Danger
At inscription (Emergency Nomination), due to Collateral and deliberate damage of the related to the ongoing war in Yemen, Vandalism and looting and other factors. Since 2023
Type
Cultural
Criteria
  • iii
  • iv
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Archaeological site: Near Eastern
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