The ancient civilization that lived in Maʾrib was the Sabaeans, whose kingdom of Sabaʾ is also known as the biblical Sheba. Maʾrib served as the capital of the Sabaean kingdom from 950 to 115 bce. The Sabaeans were responsible for constructing the Maʾrib Dam, which provided irrigation and supported a thriving agricultural region. The Sabaean kingdom prospered through trade, especially frankincense and myrrh. By the end of the 3rd century ce, the Himyarites gained dominance over the Sabaeans, absorbing them into their realm.
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