The Himyarite Conversion: Judaism in Pre-Islamic Yemen

Long before Islam reached Yemen, the kingdom of Himyar adopted Judaism as its state religion. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the rise of the Himyarite kingdom in the 2nd century BCE, its conquest of Saba, and the adoption of Judaism under kings like Malikikarib Yuhamin and Yusuf As'ar Yath'ar (Dhu Nuwas). They discuss the political motivations behind the conversion, the tension with Christian Aksum, the massacre of Christians in Najran, and the Aksumite invasion that ended Himyar. The conversation also touches on the archaeological evidence, including inscriptions and the Qana synagogue, and the lasting impact on Yemeni identity. A nuanced look at a pivotal chapter often overshadowed by later events.

#Himyar #Yemen #Judaism #DhuNuwas #Aksum #Najran #PreIslamicArabia #Zafar #Qana #Sabaean #HimyariteKingdom #YusufAsar #Malikikarib #RedSea #LateAntiquity #ReligiousConversion #History #FexingoHistory

Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo