Baraqish: A Yemeni Town Steeped in History
Baraqish, also known as Barāgish or Aythel, is a historic town in northwestern Yemen, 120 miles east of Sanaa. Situated on a high hill in Wādī Farda(h), it was once a popular stop on the incense route due to its access to water. Greeks and Romans knew it as Athlula, derived from the ancient Sabaean term yθl, likely pronounced Yathill.
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A Flourishing Ancient Center
Baraqish boasts a long and rich history. Evidence suggests habitation as far back as the Bronze Age, with residents building upon the ruins of earlier settlements. The town reached its peak around 400 BC as the capital of the Minaean Kingdom. Even after the capital shifted to Qarnāwu, Baraqish remained a significant religious center. Its strategic location on the incense route further bolstered its importance. The town’s impressive walls, once reaching 14 meters high and featuring 57 towers, stand as a testament to its past grandeur, although only parts remain visible today.
Unearthing the Past
Archaeological excavations have revealed a wealth of information about Baraqish. The main site includes the ruins of a dome, a mosque, a well, and a tower. Numerous pottery shards and glass pieces offer further clues about daily life in the town. A temple in the southern area, believed to be dedicated to the god Athtar, features a necropolis with many grave stelae. Another temple in the city center boasts four remaining columns.
A Town in Transition
Baraqish remained inhabited until the 1960s but has since been abandoned. The military currently occupies the site. Unfortunately, the town suffered significant damage during the 2015 conflict in Yemen, with the Saudi Arabian military, supported by the US and Britain, bombing the site, which was then held by Houthi forces.
A Legacy to Preserve
Despite recent setbacks, Baraqish holds immense value for archaeologists and historians. Italian archaeological expeditions conducted between 1989-1990 and 2003-2007 unearthed a remarkably well-preserved temple with a roof. Inside, stone tables adorned with bulls’ heads suggest a sanctuary dedicated to a healing deity. Baraqish’s rich tapestry of history, spanning millennia, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and cultures of ancient Arabian civilizations. Preserving this irreplaceable heritage remains an important task.
Conclusion
Baraqish holds a rich tapestry of history that spans several millennia. Despite recent damages, it remains a crucial site for understanding the ancient civilizations of Arabia.
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