Lecture Notes: Professor Chris Roban on Abraha

Introduction

• Speaker: Professor Chris Roban, a leading scholar in Arabian history and founder of the French Center for Research.
• Topic: The historical and mythical analysis of King Abraha.

1. The Concept of Myth vs. Reality

• Abraha as an archetype of an evil king in religious narratives.
• Discussion of his representation in both Islamic and Ethiopian sources.
• Importance of distinguishing between historical fact and mythological representation.

2. Abraha: Historical Evidence

• Claimed that Abraha was a significant ruler in ancient Arabia, akin to historical figures like Napoleon.
• Historical documentation by Byzantine historian Procopius in the work "The Wars of Justinian" (early 550s).
• Procopius’s background as a military officer provided him access to reliable information about Abraha.

3. Archaeological Discoveries

• Edward Glaser’s Expeditions (1880s):
  • Discovered pillar inscriptions in Marib, Yemen, attributed to Abraha.
• Subsequent Discoveries:
  • Other inscriptions found in 1951, 1988, 2004, and 2012 detailing Abraha’s reign and significance.

4. Historical Context of Abraha’s Reign

• The Kingdom of Himyar's political landscape in the 6th century.
• Abraha’s rise to power resulting from political and religious dissent within the Himyarite Kingdom.
• Military intervention from the Christian Axumite Kingdom.

5. Major Military Campaigns

• The revolt and subsequent establishment of Abraha as a ruler in Yemen.
• Notable military expeditions against rival factions and regions in Arabia.
• An expedition aimed at destroying the Kaaba in Mecca due to competition with his church in Sana'a.
• Insights from Archaeological Inscriptions:
  • Evidence of Abraha’s campaigns against rebellious tribes and alliances formed during his reign.

6. Religious Policies

• Abraha’s Christian background in a predominantly Jewish kingdom necessitated political savvy to maintain support.
• Adjusted religious profession to bridge gaps between Christian and Jewish beliefs.
• Construction of large churches as a means of unifying the Christian population in Arabia.

7. Cultural Legacy and Interpretation

• Appearances of Abraha in Arabic poetry and historical texts.
• Historical vs. theological interpretations of Abraha’s legacy as a ruler (e.g., viewed negatively by Islamic scholars).
• Discussions around the transformation of Abraha’s image in later narratives and how he is viewed today.

Conclusion

• Summary of Abraha's multifaceted identity as a historical figure and a mythological character.
• His portrayal as not only an adversary to the Islamic faith but also a significant historical actor in ancient Arabian history.
• Call for a nuanced understanding of historical rulers beyond purely mythical interpretations.

Thank You

• Closing remarks and acknowledgments for the audience's attention.