Dʿmt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingdom of Dʿmt
ደዐመተ
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| 980 BC–c. 650 BC | |||||||||
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Dʿmt is given as "Damot" on this map, not to be confused with the later and more southwestern Kingdom of Damot.
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| Capital | Yeha | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Historical era | Iron Age | ||||||||
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• Established
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980 BC | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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c. 650 BC | ||||||||
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Dʿmt (pronounced Da-a-mat) was an ancient kingdom in parts of what is now Eritrea and northern Ethiopia. It existed a very long time ago, between about 980 BC and 650 BC. This means it was around during the Iron Age.
We don't know a lot about Dʿmt because only a few writings from that time have survived. Also, not much archaeological digging has been done there. Historians are still trying to figure out what happened to Dʿmt. Did it simply end? Did it grow into the later Kingdom of Aksum? Or was it one of many smaller states that the Aksumite Kingdom eventually united?
Contents
Exploring the Kingdom of Dʿmt
Where was the Capital of Dʿmt?
The capital city of Dʿmt might have been a place called Yeha, in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. This is because a large temple complex was found there. A temple dedicated to the god Ilmuqah is still standing in Yeha today.
Life and Innovations in Dʿmt
The people of Dʿmt were quite advanced for their time. They created systems to bring water to their farms, which is called irrigation. They used plows to prepare their fields for planting. They grew crops like millet, which is a type of grain. They also knew how to make tools and weapons out of iron.
Who Founded Dʿmt? Indigenous or Sabaean Influence?
Historians have different ideas about where the Dʿmt civilization came from. Some believe it was mainly a local civilization, meaning the people who lived there developed it themselves. They think it was only a little bit influenced by the Sabaeans. The Sabaeans were a powerful group from South Arabia who controlled trade across the Red Sea.
Other historians think Dʿmt was a mix of local people and Sabaeans. They believe the Sabaeans might have set up trading posts or military bases. This could have led to a blending of cultures. However, many agree that any Sabaean influence was likely small and didn't last for a very long time.
Understanding Dʿmt's Society and Beliefs
An archaeologist named Rodolfo Fattovich suggested that the people of Dʿmt and northern Ethiopia might have been divided into two main groups. He called them the "Reds" and the "Blacks."
The kings of Dʿmt worshipped several gods. Some of these gods were from South Arabia, like Ilmuqah. But they also worshipped local gods with names like 'str, Hbs, Dt Hmn, Rb, Šmn, Ṣdqn, and Šyhn.
What Happened After Dʿmt?
After Dʿmt declined around the 5th century BC, the area was ruled by smaller, less known kingdoms. This period lasted for a few centuries. Then, around the 1st century BC, one of these smaller states grew very powerful. This was the beginning of the mighty Kingdom of Aksum.
Who Ruled Dʿmt? Known Leaders
We know the names of four rulers of Dʿmt. They are listed below in the order they ruled. These rulers were called Mlkn (King) or Mkrb (a title similar to a priest-king).
| Time Period | Ruler's Name | Queen's Name | Interesting Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 700 BC to 650 BC | |||
| Mlkn Wʿrn Ḥywt | ʿArky(t)n | He ruled at the same time as a Sabaean leader named Karib'il Watar. | |
| Mkrb, Mlkn Rdʿm | Smʿt | ||
| Mkrb, Mlkn Ṣrʿn Rbḥ | Yrʿt | He was the son of Wʿrn Ḥywt. He was called "King Ṣrʿn of the YGʿḎ tribe" and "mkrb of DʿMT and SB'". | |
| Mkrb, Mlkn Ṣrʿn Lmn | ʿAdt | He was the son of Rbḥ. He ruled at the same time as a Sabaean leader named Sumuhu'alay. He was also called "King Ṣrʿn of the YGʿḎ tribe" and "mkrb of DʿMT and SB'". |
Regions that were Part of Dʿmt
The Kingdom of Dʿmt included several regions that are now in Eritrea and Ethiopia:
- Barka
- Bur
- Hamasien
- Marya
- Seraye
- Yeha
See also
