How a single ancient inscription revealed a forgotten Sabaean victory at Radmān
In the 3rd century AD, the Kingdom of Sabaʾ faced a massive coalition of southern Arabian tribes. A pivotal moment in this struggle, the Battle of Radmān, was nearly lost to history until the discovery of the Sabaean inscription Ja 629, which details a desperate rescue mission and a decisive royal counterattack.
The conflict emerged as a significant regional power struggle during the 3rd century AD. A formidable coalition, including forces from Hadramawt, Qataban, Radmān, Maʿāhir, and Hawlān, united under the leadership of Wahabʾil of Maʿāhir to challenge the dominance of the Kingdom of Sabaʾ and Dhū Raydān. The Sabaean response was orchestrated by King Saʿdshamsum and his son, Murthid, who mobilized tribal contingents from Fayṣān and Yuhbiʿil under the command of Dharihan ibn Murthid.
The battle itself unfolded when Dharihan’s forces, operating independently in the region of Radmān, found themselves isolated and surrounded by the coalition’s superior numbers. The situation was dire until the royal army, led by Asʿadshams and Murthid, marched to the region to relieve the trapped commander. This intervention shifted the momentum, allowing the Sabaean forces to engage the coalition armies of Yadaʿil of Hadramawt, Nabatum of Qataban, and Wahabʾil of Maʿāhir directly.
The outcome was a resounding victory for the Sabaeans. Inscription Ja 629 describes the enemy as being "crushed and chained," a phrase suggesting that the Sabaeans inflicted heavy losses and captured numerous prisoners. Following this success, Dharihan continued to lead military operations against hostile territories, including Halzawum, Awsān, and Timnaʿ, effectively dismantling the anti-Sabaean coalition's influence in the region.
The significance of this victory was immortalized at the temple of Awwam in Maʾrib. Murthid and Dharihan dedicated the triumph to the god Almaqah, offering thanks for their protection and success. This inscription, documented in the 1964 work by Jam and Phillips, remains a primary source for understanding the complex tribal dynamics and military strategies of ancient southern Arabia, illustrating how royal authority was maintained through both battlefield prowess and religious devotion.
Source: Battle of Radmān
