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Ancient South Arabia (Room 53)
The Raymond and Beverly Sackler Gallery
Ancient South Arabia was centred on what is now modern Yemen but included parts of Saudi Arabia and southern Oman. It was famous in the ancient world as an important source of valuable incense and perfume, and was described by Classical writers as Arabia Felix (“Fortunate Arabia”) because of its fertility.
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Calcite incense burner showing a camel rider, 3rd century BC
More informationCalcite incense burner showing a camel rider, 3rd century BC
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Bronze altar to Rahmaw, 6th century BC
More informationBronze altar to Rahmaw, 6th century BC
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Calcite statue of a standing female figure, 3rd-2nd century BC
More informationCalcite statue of a standing female figure, 3rd-2nd century BC
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Painted limestone incense burner, possibly 5th-4th century BC
More informationPainted limestone incense burner, possibly 5th-4th century BC
Several important kingdoms flourished there at different times between 1000 BC and the rise of Islam in the sixth century AD. The oldest and most important of these was Saba, which is referred to as Sheba in the Bible.
Room 53 features highlights from the Museum’s collection, which is one of the most important outside Yemen. The display includes examples of beautiful carved alabaster sculptures originally placed inside tombs, incense-burners and a massive bronze altar.
