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Kaleb and the Jewish Kingdom of Himyar
Description
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the dramatic reign of Emperor Kaleb of Aksum, who launched a massive military campaign across the Red Sea to protect Christians in the Jewish kingdom of Himyar (modern Yemen). They discuss Kaleb's motivations, the brutal persecution under King Dhu Nuwas, the role of the Byzantine Empire, and the archaeological evidence—including the Greek inscription at Axum and the Martyrdom of Arethas. The conversation also touches on Kaleb's abdication and monastic retirement, the legend of his son Gabra Masqal, and the long-term consequences of Aksumite involvement in Arabia. This episode dives into a pivotal but lesser-known chapter of Ethiopian history, revealing Aksum as a major international power in the 6th century.