Abstract
This research examines the trade caravan route that connected Mawza' Port on the Red Sea coast to Thafar Mankath City in the central highlands of Yemen during the Himyarite period. This period witnessed significant prosperity and development after the redirection of the frankincense route to pass through it. The Himyarites changed the route westward to Mawza' Port (Al-Makha), and this study traces the path of this route, including the remaining caravanserai stations, and documents all the facilities along its course, such as rest stations, markets, and other service facilities that catered to the needs of the caravans and facilitated their passage. The research also discusses the political and economic factors that led to the flourishing of this route. The researcher primarily relied on fieldwork conducted from Mawza' City to Thafar Mankath, the Himyarite capital in the north, in addition to utilizing information available in historical sources The study has yielded several important findings, notably that the trade caravan route between Mawza' Port (Al-Makha) and Thafar Mankath City was one of the most significant trade routes in the region at that time. The redirection of the frankincense route through the highland areas played a crucial role in the prosperity of the cities along the route, including Thafar Mankath, the Himyarite capital
This study represents a valuable contribution to the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Old routes in the area often face the threat of disappearance due to unauthorized land reclamation and urban expansion at their expense, as well as the neglect of the old stations and markets located along the route. Additionally, this study aims to enhance cultural and historical awareness within the community, both locally and beyond, by uncovering the history of the route and the areas it passes through.
Citation
ID:
279012
Ref Key:
حميد2023queenالطريق