The Sabaean Moon Temple: Awwam and the Cult of Almaqah

Long before the Marib Dam, before the Queen of Sheba became a legend, the Sabaean kingdom of ancient Yemen worshipped a moon god named Almaqah at a vast temple complex called Awwam. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the archaeology and ritual of this sacred site, from its towering stone walls and mysterious inscriptions to its role in the frankincense trade that made Saba rich. They look at what the temple's layout, altars, and relics tell us about Sabaean religion, social order, and the relationship between the temple and the rulers of Marib. They also consider the tragedy of the 2024 attack on the site and what it means for Yemen's heritage. Drawing on inscriptions, early excavations, and recent scholarship, they piece together a picture of a sanctuary that was both a spiritual heart and a political stage, where the king, the moon god, and the caravans of incense met. This episode offers a focused look at one of the most important but least-known temples of the ancient Near East.

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