Excavations at Ma'layba and Sabir, Republic of Yemen: Radiocarbon Datings in the Period 1900 to 800 Cal BC

Abstract

The Bronze and Iron Age cultures in Yemen have no parallels to the well dated cultures in the Syro-Palestinian region. Radiocarbon datings are therefore exceptionally important for the Yemenite archaeological excavation sites of Ma’layba and Sabir, the latter being the largest excavation site of the Sabir culture. Dating series were done in order to determine the architectural development of the sites and find time marks for the ceramic development. Sample materials were dated from the 2nd and 1st millennium before Christ. The 14C dating results allow statements about the cultural development in Ma’layba and Sabir as well as a comparison with the development of other regions in the surrounding, independent of only sparse available archaeological parallels.