German team uncovers key inscription in Sirwah [Archives:2005/899/Culture]

The archeological activity undertaken currently by a German team in Sirwah, Marib Province, have led to the discovery of a new archeological inscription at a temple dating back to times before Christ, said head of the German team which works under the German Archeological Institute.

The archeologists told the press that the inscription, uncovered in Almaqah Temple, is seven meters long and includes new and important information that will highlight the type of life in those days.

The works of the team were started in mid November, 2005, and will continue until January of the next year.

Sirwah is one of the very old Yemeni towns which was very well-known during the Sabai Kingdom's reign. It was the second most important town after the city of Marib, the Capital.

Sirwah, which lies 40 kms to the west of the ancient city of Marib, is sometimes called Al-Khirbah.

Some historians maintain that it was the first capital for Sabi people in the second century B.C. until king Karb Eil Watar, took Marib as the seat of his state. Since then, Sirwah lost its political significance and this is apparent from the name of Al-Khirbah (ruins) by which it is sometimes known.

Historians say that the most important archeological site in Sirwah is the temple of Almaqah and the columns of the outer marble fence surrounding it. The fence of the temple is 16 meters high and the finds collected in that area indicate that the temple was established in the seventh century B.C.
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