At the beginning of the Christian era, the southwestern Arabian states achieved considerable wealth and power through their control of trade in incense gums between Arabia and the lands of the Mediterranean coast. Frankincense and myrrh, both native to southwestern Arabia, were widely valued in the ancient world for use in religious ceremonies as well as for the preparation of perfumes and ointments. The kingdoms along the Gulf of Aden were also centers for the importation of objects from abroad: gold, ivory, and precious stones. During the third and fourth centuries A.D., the powerful rulers of Saba and Himyar united the small Arab kingdom and governed with considerable authority.
Vessels, jewelry, stelae, sculpted heads, and statuettes are the most common artifacts of this culture. Most were produced in emulation of sculpture in Roman Syria and Palestine.
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<P>At the beginning of the Christian era, the southwestern Arabian states achieved considerable wealth and power through their control of trade in incense gums between Arabia and the lands of the Mediterranean coast. Frankincense and myrrh, both native to southwestern Arabia, were widely valued in the ancient world for use in religious ceremonies as well as for the preparation of perfumes and ointments. The kingdoms along the Gulf of Aden were also centers for the importation of objects from abroad: gold, ivory, and precious stones. During the third and fourth centuries A.D., the powerful rulers of Saba and Himyar united the small Arab kingdom and governed with considerable authority.</P> <P>Vessels, jewelry, stelae, sculpted heads, and statuettes are the most common artifacts of this culture. Most were produced in emulation of sculpture in Roman Syria and Palestine.</P>
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