Abstract:

Himyarites that dominated Yemen over seven centuries (115 B.C.-525 A.C.) were different from the Hejaz Araps. By virtue of enjoying geographical location, Himyarites succeeded in being mercantile pioneers until sixth century in Arabian Peninsula. At that, legends, ballads and other kinds of written literal texts testify political hegemony and expansion of Himyarites who centred in Zafar and prior to whom Mineans and Saba ruled, throughout Yemen in Pre-Islamic Era. The first time when they emerged, Saba state which was defeated by Himyarites was apparently the sole power in the territory from the fourth century on. Outside the peninsula, these people fought innumerous battles as a result of which they plundered ferociously. Moreover, various tribes came into existence from them such as Kudâa the most well-known. The major reasons to boil down to justify their distinctiveness are “written materials, authentic architectural style, irrigation arcs, artisanry and commercial successes. That is possibly to say that, Himyarites were notably different from Northern tribes with reference to beliefs and life styles

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