Near the ancient city of Marib, in Yemen, lies the ruins of a great dam.
When the dam collapsed in the 6th century, it brought down this ancient commercial empire.
Ruins of The Great Dam of Marib.
Marib was one of several layovers along the route where merchants would stop to rest and exchange goods.
Related:The Frankincense Trees of Wadi Dawkah
The trees that produce frankincense and myrrh are extremely drought-resistant.
At the centerpiece of this system stood the Marib Dam.
It probably had a humbler beginning when it was first built somewhere between 1750 and 1700 BC.
These stone abutments still stand today.
These extensive works continued until the 4th century AD.
As trade fell, Marib began to lose its prosperity.
Ruins of The Great Dam of Marib.
There is much debate what caused the dam to collapse.
Some scholars say it was heavy rains, while other believe an earthquake undid the stonework.
While according to the Koran, the collapse was an act of God punishing the Sabaeans for their ungratefulness.
“Eat from the provisions of your Lord and be grateful to Him.
A good land, and a forgiving Lord.
