Minaeans in the Mediterranean. Reevaluating two Old South Arabian inscriptions from Delos

Abstract

Two well-known texts on altars from Delos (RES 3952; M 349) dating to the period after 167 BC attest to contacts between the Aegean and Ancient Yemen. Reexamining these two important inscriptions, this article argues that both were set up by Minaeans. As for the altar bearing inscription M 349, we interpret the Greek inscriptions as later additions, the purpose of which was to inform readers who were unfamiliar with the Old South Arabian script of the deity venerated.