S2 E12: The Year of the Elephant and the First Plague

Hello everyone. I hope you enjoy the latest episode of the show, in which Aksum (and the whole world, really) are devastated by the First Plague Pandemic, and Abraha's kingdom of Aksumite Arabia begins to unravel.

Map of the First Plague Pandemic

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Depiction of an Aksumite in Zafar, Yemen. Often claimed to be a representation of Abraha, though this is debatable.

With the plague dying down in Southern Arabia, Abraha set to work repairing his kingdom's economy. The old staple industry of Yemen, the export of incenses, would struggle with the drought facing the country. While the Marib dam was eventually repaired, the newly reinvigorated farmland had to be used to eliminate the famine ravaging the countryside. Instead, Abraha placed his economic hopes in pilgrimage. He ordered the construction of an incredibly elaborate church in Sana'a, hoping that it would become an attractive destination for pilgrims across Arabia. 

The remaining foundation of the Al-Qullays Church

However, these pilgrims came only in small numbers. Most Arabian Christians stuck with the more familiar and popular pilgrimage destination: the Kaaba. The Kaaba was a cube shaped building outside of Mecca, an ancient temple used as a multi-purpose worship site by the various religions of Arabia. The various tribes of the peninsula would, once each year, set aside their feuds and disputes to peacefully worship and trade at the Kaaba. According to Islamic and Arab-Christian tradition, the Kaaba was first constructed by Ishmael, the oldest son of Abraham. Most contemporary historians assert that the Kaaba was not as old as initially claimed, and was instead built in the early centuries AD as a shrine to Hubal, one of the numerous gods of North-Arabian polytheism. Regardless, the Kaaba was already a centuries-old and pilgrimage to the site was already a well established tradition when Abraha tried to build his competing church. Realizing that he couldn't attract pilgrims while the Kaaba existed, Abraha launched an attack on Mecca in an attempt to destroy the Kaaba. While his army won the initial skirmishes on his way to the city, he was unsuccessful in his bid to enter the city. According to the Islamic tradition, Abraha was slowed by his elephant mount, Mahmud, refusing to advance. Then, he was attacked and eventually killed by a flock of birds. The modern re-interpretation of the story is that Abraha's army was either beset by plague or ran out of supplies and was forced to turn back. Soon after he returned, he passed away.

Abraha's death immediately destabilized Aksumite Arabia. In place of an established, long-time ruler, Aksumite Arabia was now ruled by one of Abraha's inexperienced sons, Masruq. To make matters worse, Masruq immediately had to contend with multiple rivals who wanted his position of power for themselves. Not only did many of the powerful Arab chieftains and nobles want the Aksumite prince out of Arabia forever, but he also found opposition from within the Aksumite elites. This latter group was emboldened further when Masruq, desperate for allies, submitted to Ella Amidas and resumed tribute payments. One of Masruq's brothers, Madi Karib, was immensely angered by this decision. He turned on his brother, and began plotting a revolt, but was exiled before it could get underway. However, Karib was not willing to give up so soon. He, as well as an Arab noble called Sumyafa Ashwa, fled to Persia, where they beseeched the Persian Shah for assistance in toppling Masruq. Next episode will focus on the inevitable war with Persia. If you'd like to make sure you catch it, follow our show on whatever platform you use to listen.