Dhafar: The capital of Himyar unveiled

Dhafar, like many ancient cities in Yemen, incorporates artisan stonework in buildings/

Dhafar, the ancient capital of Sheba and Thu Redan, lies at the top of Mount Redan in Arafah province, 17 km from Yarim at a height of 2750 m above sea level. Formerly known as Dhafar Yahsoup, Dhafar Qa’a al-Hakl, Dhafar Yarim, Dhafar Mankath, Dhafar Wadi Bana and Dhafar Himyar, the ancient capital remains one of Yemen’s most historically significant places.

The ancient Himayarites chose Dhafar for their capital because of its strategic location overlooking a number of important fertile valleys, such as Wadi Bana, Wadi Dhafar, Wadi al-Haf, Qa’a al-Hakl.

The capital acted as a barrier between the Kingdom of Sheba and that of the Himyars and solidified the Himyars’ control of the main trade routes. The move ultimately gave the Himyarite Kingdom the power and influence to unify Yemen under its control. 

The earliest inscription, in which the Himyarite Kingdom is specifically mentioned, dates back to the second half of the first century AC when Roman statesman Pliny the Elder wrote of it as the capital of the Himyar kings. The capital is later mentioned in other books such as a book about Eritrea by an unknown author, and works by the classical historian Bet limos.

Yemeni historian, Abu Mohammed al-Hassan al-Hamadani, who lived in the fourth century after Hijra, also mentioned it. He talked of its location at the top of Jabal Qutab (present-day Kitab) and its gates; Wala gate, al-Eslaf gate, Kherfa gate,  Ma’bah gate, Hadwan gate, Khuban gate, Bab Hawza gate, hunt gate and al-Hakl gate, which was the most important of them all, as it had bells that could be heard from far away when it was opened and closed. 

Being an important Christian center, Dhafar played an important religious role. Greek Christian preachers arrived in 354 Before the Common Era. and succeeded in establishing an important church. Because of the church, the Christian religion spread throughout Yahsub. In 523 AD the church was destroyed by Yemeni King, Josef Asa’r Yatha’r, known by the historians as Thei Nawass. 

Though it may appear to be run down, the Zafar Museum is full of historical artifacts.

As the capital, the kings of the time established fortifications and built public buildings, temples, shops, dams, as well as houses and palaces, some of which can still be seen today. The following is a description of some of the most important archeological remains:  

Palaces 
A number of palaces were built in the city, but Redan palace was most well-known, because of its association with the Himyarite kings, the King of Sheba and Thu Redan. It was a center for coalitions and alliances between Himyar tribes and its remains still give an indication of its importance, consisting of different color stones and marble. 

Suq al-Lail (Night Market) 
The suq was a hidden tunnel under Redan Mount (called Mount Dhafar today), which connected the mountain with the city. The tunnel remains buried today, but the remains of a number of shops carved into rocks can still be seen. 

Water reservoirs 
Due to agriculture in the area, a number of dams, irrigation channels, pools and tanks were built in Dhafar and surrounding areas, for example Al-Awar dam, Lahj dam in Arass ,and  Al-Sha’bali in Al-Arafa, Harrarah and Al-Asbahi in Naji Girf, and Tauwf in Jabal Hujaj. These were used to store and transport water all year round. The main tank at the bottom of the palace is about 6 meters deep and 6 meters wide. According to residents, there used to be a hidden channel connecting the tank at the top of the palace with the central tank at the bottom.   

Grains stores 
Stores were carved into rocks around the royal palaces in Dhafar city, to save grains for use in wars and political troubles.   

Tombs (Madafin) 
A number of tombs were found on the slopes of mountains in areas around Dhafar. The tombs indicate the social status of the deceased, with royal tombs being far more elaborate than common ones.  
Tombs which included antique remains have been an important source of information about the society, it customs and living conditions.  The remains found in tombs include, clothes, pottery, and jewelry. 

The Jewish Fort 
The Jewish Fort is situated on the southwestern top of Jewish Mount. This little mentioned fort is a reminder of the Yemeni Tribes by Ibrahim al-Mokafa that practiced Judaism during thee Himyarite era. 

Al-Hartthy Mount 
Located to the south of Dhafar in the valley of Jabal Hajaj, this mountain was full of antiquities and artifacts, much of which has been looted and plundered.

An antique temple dated back more than 100 years was also discovered on April 2007 by a German expedition.  

Priceless ancient artifacts sit exposed at the museum.

The region’s historical importance is rightly one of the main reasons tourists chose to visit this area. However, it is not the only attraction. The area has a pleasant climate and other natural attractions increase its value for tourism.

There are a number of beautiful wadis, such as Wadi Bana, wadi Hujaj, Wadi al-Amas, and Qa’a al-Hakl, as well as several waterfalls, and mountains covered with green vegeatation. Many of the mountains offer splendid views and beautiful scenery, such as Jabal al-Habali, Al-Arafah, Jablal Esam, And Jabal al-Hijaj and Jabal al-Osbei. The geographic variation between the mountains, valleys, and plains adds to an impressive view.

Beautiful villages displaying unique Yemeni architecture can be seen perched on mountaintops and spread along wadi floors. But perhaps more fascinating is the friendship and hospitality of the areas inhabitants. They’re sure to make any tourist feel welcome.  

The history of Dhafar 
632 BC The rise of Islam 632 –750 BCE Under Persian control
525–570 BC Under Abyssinian control
523 BC Destruction of the Dhafar church
521 BC King, Josef Asa’r Yatha’r  (Thu Nawass) expels Christians. At the beginning of the sixth century King, Ma’di Kerb Ya’fer embraces Christianity 462 BC King, Sharhabil Ya’fer decorates and rehabilitates Marib Dam
384 BC King, Abu Kerb As’ad (As’ad al-Kamil) embraces Monotheism
378 BC King, Malik Kerb Bahna builds Shohtan Fortress, North Dhafar. Judasim spreads in Yemen in the middle of the fourth century. The first church established in Dhafar by Neo filmos in the 2nd half of the fourth century Monotheism spreads in Dhafar
285 AD King, Shammar Yaharesh unites Yemen and is nicknamed (King of Sheba and Thu Redan, Hadramout and Yamnah)
232 AD Dhafar is fortified from the south
230 AD Abyssinians raid Dhafar in the third century war and rivalry between Sheba and Himyarites erupts
140 AD Sheba Kingdom falls under the mercy of Himyarites from the era of King, Dhamar Ali Bahna’m
10 –20 AD Himyarites take over some parts of Sheba Kingdom and building Dhafar the first century Himyarites name appear on Yemeni inscriptions
115 BC The beginning of the Himyarite calendar

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