Sirwah

Sirwah (Arabic صرواح, DMG Sirwah ) was next Ma'rib the most important economic and political center of the kingdom of Saba at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC in the Arabian Peninsula. Sirwah was surrounded by a rampart. The old town within the oasis was home to several large buildings.

The ruins of Sirwah located 40 km west of Marib. Due to its mountainous location, the city was indeed well protected, but also this is a restricted its development. This Sirwah lost its function as the capital soon to Marib that was an important economic center due to its location on the Incense Route.

Nevertheless, the city remained an important center of the Sabeans, demonstrating the variety of temples. So by King Yada'il Dharih I. was built around 700 BC, a significant Almaqah Temple.

Archeology

In Sirwah currently German excavations take place, of which it is hoped that further insights into the early days of the Sabaean kingdom.

DAI archaeologists have thereby discovered and salvaged in 2005 on a 7 m long inscription from the Sabean kingdom. The 7 -ton block of stone was part of the sanctuary Almaqah and had fallen in an earthquake from its base. The epigraphists Norbert Nebes of the University of Jena designated as the inscription is the most significant from the time of the 1st century BC The inscription tells of military fighting a Sabaean ruler, he led against its immediate neighbors in the southeast and north of Yemen.

The Almaqah temple is currently being restored (2008). The work another temple was discovered from the 7th century BC. This sanctuary has a monumental entrance, which is decorated with columns. It contains several rooms, the building material is wood and stone, the floor plan is unique in Yemen at this time.

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