How Do You Spell SABEAN?

Pronunciation: [se͡ɪbˈi͡ən] (IPA)

Sabean is a word that refers to the ancient civilization of Saba, found in modern-day Yemen. The word is spelled with two vowels next to each other, but they are not pronounced as a diphthong. The phonetic transcription is /səˈbiːən/, which means the first syllable is stressed and the two vowels are pronounced separately. The spelling of this word can be confusing for English speakers because a double vowel usually indicates a long sound, but in this case, it is not the case.

SABEAN Meaning and Definition

1. Sabean is an adjective that pertains to the ancient Sabean civilization or its people. The Sabean civilization thrived in South Arabia, mainly in the southern region of the Arabian Peninsula, from the 8th century BCE to the 6th century CE.

   The term "Sabean" can also refer to the Sabaeans themselves, who were an ancient Semitic people living in the region. They are known for their distinctive cultural and linguistic characteristics, primarily their unique form of writing known as the Sabaean script.

   The Sabean civilization was highly developed and renowned for its flourishing trade routes, extensive agricultural systems, and impressive irrigation networks. Additionally, the Sabaeans excelled in metalworking, architecture, and were skilled merchants. Their civilization was centered around the capital city of Marib, which was famous for its spectacular ancient dam, the Ma'rib Dam.

   Furthermore, the Sabean people were recognized for their religious practices, primarily the veneration of the moon god Almaqah. Their religion, known as Sabaeanism or the Cult of Almaqah, involved the worship of various nature deities and spirits.

   Today, the term "Sabean" is used to describe anything relating to the Sabean civilization, their cultural practices, or archaeological discoveries associated with them. It offers a significant insight into the ancient history and rich heritage of the southern Arabian region.

Common Misspellings for SABEAN

• sanean
• sahean

Etymology of SABEAN

The word "Sabean" originates from the name of an ancient Arabian people called the Sabaeans or Sabaens. The Sabaeans, also known as the Sabeans or Shebaean, were inhabitants of the ancient kingdom of Saba or Sheba, which was located in what is now Yemen in the southern Arabian Peninsula. The etymology of the word "Sabaeans" itself is believed to come from the Arabic word "ṣabā", which means "morning" or "east". This is possibly due to the fact that the kingdom of Saba was located to the east of ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Sabaeans were known for their advanced civilization, trade, and rich culture, and they played a significant role in the ancient world.

Plural form of SABEAN is SABEANS