Arsh Bilqis, Temple of History [Archives:2000/47/Last Page]

History confirms that Marib is the birthplace of the ancient South Arabian Civilization. Marib is actually related to the Queen of Sheba, Bilqis, prominently referred to in the Holy Quran, the Talmud and the Bible.
Among the most important archaeological monuments of Marib are the Throne of Bilqis (Arsh Bilqis) since 1888, the Arsh has been known to be a temple. The Australian traveller and scholar Edward Glaser was the first to record and read a short Middle Sabaic inscription engraved on one of its pillars, mentioning the god Almaqah of Barlan. Almaqah was the patron god of the Sabaeans. Most probably the temple was built during the 10th century BC. The temple fell into neglect throughout history owing to several reasons. It has been reconstructed four times. The last one was mentioned in 1988 by the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin in cooperation with the General Organization of Antiquities, Museums and Manuscripts (GOAMM). The restored site was opened to the public on Saturday, Nov.18. On this occasion of the elapse of 3000 years since the establishment of the site, a formal celebration was conducted in Marib on Saturday. The event was attended by the Prime Minister, WB representative and several ambassadors to Sanaa,, Yusuf M. Abdullah and others.
On this occasion Mr. Kyrieleis Helmut, president of the German Institute of Archaelolgy, Berlin told YT, It is one of the most important monuments of ancient South Arabian culture. The time the excavations in this temple has been finished but we are continuing at area of the Almaqah temple Awan and in the future we plan to do excavations in the ancient city of Marib.
There are many more startling historical sites which could reveal more of the hidden history of the Land of Sheba. Such sites are found in areas in the country. They just need people who have sense of history to have them excavated. It is only this way could Marib turn into an international tourist destination. Mr. Alwan Al-Shaibani, President of General Group of Companies, told YT that exploration of new archaeological sites would undoubtedly increase the flow of tourists to Yemen. However, tourism cant flourish without stable security situation. Tourists should feel safe to move everywhere.

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