Sanctuary of the Queen of Sheba, Ancient temple complex in Marib Governorate, Yemen
The Sanctuary of the Queen of Sheba, also known as Mahram Bilqis, is an ancient Sabaean temple in Marib Governorate, Yemen. It consists of a rectangular hall built from carefully cut stone blocks, supported by tall columns and enclosed by an outer wall on three sides.
The temple was built during the first millennium BCE and served as one of the main religious centers of the Sabaean kingdom in ancient southern Arabia. It continued in use for centuries until the decline of Sabaean power, after which it was gradually buried under sand.
The temple was dedicated to Almaqah, a moon deity worshipped across ancient southern Arabia. Visitors can still read inscriptions carved into the stone that record offerings and prayers left by worshippers who came here over many centuries.
The site is located in Marib Governorate, an area that requires careful attention to current security conditions before any visit. The ground is uneven and exposed, so solid footwear and sun protection are both worth carrying.
The sand that covered the site for centuries actually helped protect many of its stone elements from decay. Excavations only began in the 1950s, and a large part of the complex is still buried underground today.
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