The Impact of Foreign Control on The Economic Factor in Southern Arabia Before Islam

Yemen's geographical location, which connects East to West, helped the recovery of its economy. Agriculture was one of the most important factors that characterized the economy of southern Arabia before Islam, as a result of its fertile soil and the availability of water in it, including rainwater, dams and valleys. The agricultural crops varied with Tayeb and incense were the top of Yemeni goods, so they called it the “land of Tayoub”. Yemen was also called “Green Yemen” because of its abundance of goods. The commercial factor also played an important role in raising the Yemeni economy as it served as a link between the countries of the old world. Various trade routes branched out, including land roads, as the incense road is one of the most famous roads that gained wide fame before Islam, as well as sea routes for the transport of commercial caravans. The industrial sector was equally important, with Yemeni workers excelling in diverse industries, the availability of raw materials in the country led to flourishing industries. All these factors contributed to the development of the economy, making it vulnerable to foreign ambitions. Several foreign powers, including the Romans, sought to acquire its wealth. Later, other external powers such as the Al-Ahbash, supported by the Byzantine Empire, and the Sassanid Empire extended their influence over Yemen's riches, ultimately affecting and leading to the demise of the Yemeni civilization. Economic factors were the main drivers of foreign control over southern Arabia.