The Fighting near Timnaʿ was a military engagement during the later stages of the Campaign against the Southern Coalition, recorded in the Sabaean inscription Ja 629. It occurred after the Sabaean campaigns against Radmān, Halzawum, and Awsān, when remaining coalition forces attempted to resist the Sabaean advance.Jamme, A. (1962). Sabaean Inscriptions from Maḥram Bilqîs (Mārib). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press.
Background
Following the Sabaean victories against the southern coalition, including the capture of Awsānite settlements, Sabaean forces continued their operations deeper into southern Arabia. The campaign eventually brought Sabaean forces near Timnaʿ, the capital of Qatabān.
The inscription records that Dharihan Ashwa' and Rabbshamsum Yuʿirr were involved in operations near Timnaʿ during the final phase of the campaign.
Battle
The engagement took place when coalition forces attempted to confront the advancing Sabaean army. The Sabaean commanders resisted the opposing forces and successfully completed their withdrawal toward Maʾrib.
Outcome
The fighting near Timnaʿ represented the final phase of the wider campaign. Although coalition forces attempted to continue resistance, the Sabaean army remained successful and returned to its capital at Maʾrib.
The campaign resulted in the weakening of Awsān and the dismantling of the southern coalition as an effective military alliance.
References
Jam and Phillips, Musnad Inscriptions from Maḥram Bilqīs, Maʾrib (1964).