This silver Himyerite coin was minted in Southern Arabic in Arabia Felix (Southern Saudi and ancient Yemen between 50A.D and 100A.D it is attributed to one of several kings all called Karib'il Watar Yehun'im at their capital Raidan. Notice the fascinating S.Arabian script with the unusual fusion of Greek and Semitic culture... notice as well the wreath of flowers worn as a crown by the king. This influence can still be seen today by the 'flower people,' of Southern Arabia who wear flowers in their hair to perfume themselves and to adorn their heads with colour....The kings who minted these coins ruled shortly after Rome sent general Alius Gallus who set out from Alexandria with two legions to conquer Southern Arabia and control the lucrative frankincense trade. The Southern Arabian kingdoms were some of the richest in the ancient world because of their control and tax of the trade coming from Southern Oman. The invasion failed dramatically after several spectacular sieges, when the army was according to Strabo, mislead by a local guide called Syllaeus who brought them into the desert where they became lost and many died of thirst... #southernarabia #arabia #abha #jizan #yemen #coin #saudiarabia #numismatics #silver #flowermen #frankincense #trade #HIMYARITES #Sabeans
