Radiocarbon datings from the Almaqah temple of Bar'an, Ma'rib, Republic of Yemen: Approximately 800 cal BC to 600 cal AD

Abstract

Ma'rib is the most famous archaeological site in Yemen. The economical importance of Ma'rib resulted from an ecosystem that was based on irrigation and existed already in the second half of the 3rd millennium BC. In the middle of the 8th century BC Ma'rib rose to the capital of Saba and became the economical and cultural center of southern Arabia. In 1975 the German Archaeological Institute began to investigate and document the antique oasis systematically. Radiocarbon datings were of great importance for clarification of the building's history. Dating series extend from the 10th century BC to the 12th century AD. The temple, of which four building phases could be observed up to now, was used from 9th century BC till the end of the 4th century AD.