From Marib The Sabean Capital To Carantania
Their life was the caravan, their life the most unexpected of voyages. The link between ancient Yemeni Sabean kingdom and ancient Slovenian State of Carantania uncovered...
The link between ancient Yemeni kingdom and ancient Slovenian State of Carantania uncovered
*
The oldest history of Yemen is connected with the city of Marib and its dam. Ancient Marib was the largest of incense cities. It held the commanding position for the transportation of frankincense on the important caravan route that ran from the areas on the Indian Ocean to the shores of the Mediterranean. But it was not until Adeeb Mahfood from Jamaica and his cousin Hashem Hashem from Canada in search for their own "original family' in Yemen that the long suspected link between the ancient Yemeni kingdom and ancient Carantania became apparent. They provided the history of Gebara family and other Arab lineages, a result of seven yearlong research. What follows here is perhaps also personal journey, and search for a lost identity and history.
*
CHRONOLOGY OF THE AREA OF MARIB
1700 B.C. Legendary date for the building of the dam at Marib.
1000 B.C. Sabeans settle in the Marib area
950 B.C . Traditional day for Bilquis, Queen of Sheba (Saba),
925 B.C. Death of King Solomon.
800-700 B.C. Name of the traditional rules of Saba are known from about this time. They were called "mukarrib", the term probably meant "priest-king".
800 B.C. Traditional date for the "building of the dam at Marib".
The reference here probably means the rebuilding of the dam, and possibly the building of the great sluices.
715 B.C. Successive Assyrian Kings receive tribute of gold, precious stones, spices, horses and camels from the Sabeans.
600-500 B.C. Sabeans send trading colonists to India
587 B.C. Defeat of Jerusalesm by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Prophet Ezekiel writes about trade with the Sabeans at this time.
410 B.C. Karib il Watear listed as the first "king" of Saba.
Change here is from "mukarrib" to "king".
100 A.D. Alhan Nahfan Hamadanid, King of Saba forms alliances with Hadramaut and Ethiopia.
200 A.D and after, Saba under the hegemony of Himyar. Himyar, kings calling themselves kings of Saba and Dhu Raydan.
Following two centuries are one of conflict with Ethiopia and Persia siding with first one then another South Arabian fraction. Time is also one of ferment in religion with both Judaism and Christianity prominent at various periods.
Due to heavy rains and floods, the great dam at Marib was already destroyed. Proverb "scattered like the people of Saba" refers to that exodus in history.
622 A.D. Hijra Mohammads flight from Mecca to Medina and beginning of the Islamic era.
Rome was known the furthermost and northernmost capital the ancient Yemeni diplomats were appointed. Sabeans also sent a diplomatic mission to meet Emperor Octavianus Augustus at the Greek island of Samos. Through archeological evidence we have proof of Sabean presence throughout the East Africa from Egypt to Tanzania, and coast of India and Indochina
THE BANU GHASSAN
The political dynamics of Pre-Islamic Arabia can be summarized in the interaction among three major forces, The Gassanids, the Lakhimids, and the Kindah or Kinda. The Ghassanids, a south Arabian Yemeni tribe, the Banu Ghassan, migrated north (of Marib) during the third and fourth centuries. But mostly after the breakup of the great Marib dam and settled in the region of Damascus. Christian by religion, they allied themselves with Byzantium.
They also agreed to protect the southern flank of the Byzantine Empire against intrusion of other Arab tribes. This alliance held well throughout the wars between the Byzantines and the Persian Empires. Another group emigrated and settled in Hira, where they established the kingdom of Lakham. After the departure of two major empires of the time, the Byzantine and the Persian during 6th century, many Ghassanids allied themselves with increasingly dominating Arab tribes from the heartland of Arabia. This political dynamics is important, because it is out of the interaction of the Arab tribes and the leaders of these kingdoms that the early Islamic community, and later the Islamic Empire, emerge.
*
Their country was the caravan, their life the most unexpected of the voyages. As any journey, theirs too, would be ruled by twin houses of mystery and discovery. Their wrists have experienced in turn the caresses of silk, the abuses of wool, the gold of princes and chain of slaves. Their eyes have seen cities die and empires perish. And their camels moved forward in time with the rise and fall of its rhythms.
Once crowded incense road run some 2.400 miles through Arabia, from southern Oman, through Yemeni high mountains, across the dunes and black volcanic deserts of Saudi Arabia to Petra. In Roman times, a rugged journey of some 80 marches, offered challenges. To the Romans frankincense symbolized divinity, an offering on a part with gold and myrrh, another Arabian incense also prized for medicine. Thousand of years earlier Egyptians were using the "perfume of the gods" for temple rites. The road to the Yemeni Arab sea coast is covered with frankincense groves. Only here do trees find conditions ideal. It is here that Arabian Desert makes a quick change. A roof of monsoon clouds suddenly quenched the blinding sun. The air chilled at the road climbed gently. The caravans left behind the granite hills that soon floated like dark, low clouds on shimmering mirage.
Camels with their soft padded feet moved easier on that soft sand that skirts the southwest sand of the Empty Quarter, a great blank on Arabians maps. Small clay figures found in Yemen and dating from 1000 B.C are among the earliest depictions of the camel. Thriving on harsh vegetation that would starve other beasts, the camel provides milk, wool, meat and leather. As the Holy Kuran notes "only on them, as well as on ships, ye ride" Ancient ghost town Haribart, AlJubah, AlMasajid marked the way.
Glory of Sheba or Saba seems to longer in the ancient capital of Mareb where the fabled queen who brought to King Sulaiman "such abundance of spices" may once have ruled. There is also an oval shaped temple of the shape of the moon. Past Najran some 60 miles to the north at Bir Hima ancient caravans left thousand of inscriptions on the sandstone. Most are simple graffiti of rustics, some are illustrated with scenes of camel herds, a date harvest, ibex, hunters wielding spear. From Petra the incense traveled on to Gaza, across the Sinai to major processing plants in Alexandria, north to Palmyra and Damascus, east to Euphrates. Marking similar of those at Marib, perhaps a merchant monograph were found on vessels at the other end of the incense route - at Gaza on the Mediterranean.
Amre, son of Amre from Saba emigrated with his family and many of his followers north (of Marib) They settled in Houran. After their departure from Yemen Houran became their first home. The land of Houran lies about twenty miles to the south of Damascus. It is a vast region with mountains, valleys and plain. The climate is mild and its soil fertile. The Ghassanids were named after the well where they first settled upon their arrival from Yemen. Amer El-Ghatreef known also as "Maussma", meaning the "Water from Heaven" for his generosity, became the first Ghassanid king. He lived about the beginning of the third century AD. The Ghassanids would soon became the leaders of all Arab tribes in Syria. The city of Damascus was under their rule and also the territory of the country known today as Jordan.
THE GHASSANIDS - POETS, MEN OF ARTS AND LITERATURE
The Gassanids Kingdom extended to the Red Sea to the South and the Euphrates to the North. The Jordan and Yarmuk valleys were included in their realms. The city of Joulan, known today as Balkaa was their capital. The ruins of palaces, churches, castles, public baths, aquaducts in Houran are evidence of the sophistication of their culture in civilization. The Ghassanits lived in the palace in the middle of the city town and administered their vast realms. They traded extensively. The Greeks gave the Ghassanids kings the title "ElHarith" , the kings of Hira the title of "ElMunzer". These two titles were equivalent to title of Pharaon of Egypt, Negus in Abyssinia and Caesar in Rome. The Emperors of Constantinople gave them the tile of "Patrik" meaning the father.
The Ghassanid kings were known for their generosity. The last to succeed the throne was Jeblet son of ElAyham, who built the town of Jeblet situated between Latakieh and Tripoli (present day Syiria and Lebanon). He was such a good and strong king that for decades after his death his name was a symbol of strength and glory. After his death and the coming of the Islam, the Ghassanids became again scattered far and wide.
THE GEBARAS, GBARA, JEBERA, JEBARA, SCEBERRAS
Historical evidence shows that some Christian families in Syria and Lebanon and especially the Gebaras were direct descendants of the noble Ghassanids. They originate from the city of Azra in the land of Houran. Azra used to be known also as Azrai, meaning the fortress. It lies some 75 five miles from Bosra Eskj Sham, some 612 km above sea level. Azra is known for its ancient Greek and Roman connection. Many of the battles between the Crusaders and the Moslems were fought on its grounds and streets. As the Banu Ghassan, the Gebaras were interested in art, literature and especially poetry.
The story of the Gebara ancestry has been passed down through the ages from father to son:
They were of Ghassanid origin and came to Lebanon after Moslem conquest from Houran and prior that from Yemen and were of Greek Ortodox faith. Some of them still live in Azra, but the majority went to Damscus and Acre, some to Arjeyoun and
Kornet Shahwan.
Their features were confirmed as follows: high temple, big noses, prominent foreheads, fuzzy hair, small jaws, thin lips, beautifully straight teeth, well proportioned features, dark complexions, black eyes and beautiful figure. Further generosity, contentment, fondness of country life, bravery, distinguished looks and benevolence. In all ages and epochs the Gebaras -Jebaras -Jeberas - Sceberras went through, there were among them men and women outstanding in bravery, administrative work, learning, religion, writings. Among them are generals, administrators, bishops, priests, monks, physicians, pharmacists, scientists, lawyers, merchants, benefactors.
The Gebara family includes both Christians and Moslems. The Moslem Gebaras adopted Islam during the time of Arab conquest, and re-migrated the respective Moslem community. The Moslem Gebaras went to El-Median, Yunbu, Asffan, Alexandira, Beer Sheba, Jub Jennine, Majdal Balhiss, El-Kerou, Tripoli.
The places where the Christian Gebars went are Damascus, Marjeyoun, Kornet Shahwan, Jebbata el-Zeit, Ammatour, Zahleh, Jell elDeeb, Ain Aiir, Aleppo, Alexandria, Austria/Slovenia - then named Carantania, which known to them from their extensive trading contacts.
Was ancient Carantania their timber supplier? More, it goes for a very old link and goes back all the way to Yemen, to ancient Sabean kingdom.
Others group proceeded to Greece and Turkey, the rest remained in Azra. The group that went to Alexandria in Egypt proceeded to Malta and give rise to one of the finest Maltese aristocratic families. They owned the Peninsula Sceberras on which the Maltese capital Valletta is situated and was later sold to the Knights of Malta. Again Malta used to be known to them from their trading contacts from Yemen.
*
In this autumn day, the yellowing leaves in Azra were more securely attached to the trees, their city was divided. Orchards have been laid to waste, the peasants would complain. And the night hid his face.
How many great kings, or inspired poets, or intrepid travelers have never been able to attain the destiny which seemed promised to them?
On each new shore, they attached to their name the name of their homeland they left behind. The Slovenian Julian Alps are the first mountain barrier separating the Mediterranean from Continental Central Europe. A largely mountainous region, almost half of it covered with forests, pastures, fields, vineyards and orchards. The snow fell continuously, covering the land with a veil of peace and serenity which nothing seemed able to destroy. They no longer saw land, nor sea, nor sun, nor the end of their journey. Weather they would encounter death or glory. Or have they reached the oasis of clear springs or a pyramid of silk cushions of brocade.
Wherever you will be, some will want to ask questions about your skin or your prayers. Muslim, Jew or Christian, beware of bending before the multitude. When mans mind seems narrow to you tell yourself that the land of God is broad, broad His hands and broad His heart. Never hesitate to got far away beyond all seas, all frontiers, and all beliefs. I for my part - so it seems - have reached the end of my wanderings
The white community in Europe too is composed of three main cultures, western, eastern and southern. The "southern culture" in Europe is at least known and acknowledged.
One thing is certain: half buried along the frankincense trail from the sacred groves of Yemen, the fragrant alters of Rome, rose gardens of Damascus, harbors Malta, and deep forests of ancient Carantania, waiting to be read, lies a compelling chapter in the history of man.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Chronology for the area of Marib, The American Institute for Yemeni Studies, Sanaa, Yemen
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis, The Diachronic Supremacy of Yemen, in Yemen Times, issue 756, 19th July 2004, Sanaa, Yemen -
Irfan Shahid, Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, ISBN: 0-88402-284-6, The Gebara family site http://gebara.marjeyoun.net -
Raymond Faris Gebara, The Rise of the Ghassanids
The name Carantania for the ancient Slovenian state was in use
well into Fourteen Century for the territory of present day Republic of Slovenia and Austria.
Herman de Carinthia (ca 1100 - 1154) second in line of the Great Carantanian Federation became the most important promoter of Arab culture in Europe and builder of bridges between Europe and the Arab and Islamic world. He was also a man for whom borders simply did not exist. It was him who laid the foundation for a Euro Arab cultural exchange. A mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, philosopher, writer. He translated the first draft of the Holy Quran into Latin as well as important books in the field from astronomy, philosophy from Arab authors.
His life stations Constantinople, Damscus, Toledo, Toulousse, Beziers.
*
The oldest history of Yemen is connected with the city of Marib and its dam. Ancient Marib was the largest of incense cities. It held the commanding position for the transportation of frankincense on the important caravan route that ran from the areas on the Indian Ocean to the shores of the Mediterranean. But it was not until Adeeb Mahfood from Jamaica and his cousin Hashem Hashem from Canada in search for their own "original family' in Yemen that the long suspected link between the ancient Yemeni kingdom and ancient Carantania became apparent. They provided the history of Gebara family and other Arab lineages, a result of seven yearlong research. What follows here is perhaps also personal journey, and search for a lost identity and history.
*
CHRONOLOGY OF THE AREA OF MARIB
1700 B.C. Legendary date for the building of the dam at Marib.
1000 B.C. Sabeans settle in the Marib area
950 B.C . Traditional day for Bilquis, Queen of Sheba (Saba),
925 B.C. Death of King Solomon.
800-700 B.C. Name of the traditional rules of Saba are known from about this time. They were called "mukarrib", the term probably meant "priest-king".
800 B.C. Traditional date for the "building of the dam at Marib".
The reference here probably means the rebuilding of the dam, and possibly the building of the great sluices.
715 B.C. Successive Assyrian Kings receive tribute of gold, precious stones, spices, horses and camels from the Sabeans.
600-500 B.C. Sabeans send trading colonists to India
587 B.C. Defeat of Jerusalesm by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Prophet Ezekiel writes about trade with the Sabeans at this time.
410 B.C. Karib il Watear listed as the first "king" of Saba.
Change here is from "mukarrib" to "king".
100 A.D. Alhan Nahfan Hamadanid, King of Saba forms alliances with Hadramaut and Ethiopia.
200 A.D and after, Saba under the hegemony of Himyar. Himyar, kings calling themselves kings of Saba and Dhu Raydan.
Following two centuries are one of conflict with Ethiopia and Persia siding with first one then another South Arabian fraction. Time is also one of ferment in religion with both Judaism and Christianity prominent at various periods.
Due to heavy rains and floods, the great dam at Marib was already destroyed. Proverb "scattered like the people of Saba" refers to that exodus in history.
622 A.D. Hijra Mohammads flight from Mecca to Medina and beginning of the Islamic era.
Rome was known the furthermost and northernmost capital the ancient Yemeni diplomats were appointed. Sabeans also sent a diplomatic mission to meet Emperor Octavianus Augustus at the Greek island of Samos. Through archeological evidence we have proof of Sabean presence throughout the East Africa from Egypt to Tanzania, and coast of India and Indochina
THE BANU GHASSAN
The political dynamics of Pre-Islamic Arabia can be summarized in the interaction among three major forces, The Gassanids, the Lakhimids, and the Kindah or Kinda. The Ghassanids, a south Arabian Yemeni tribe, the Banu Ghassan, migrated north (of Marib) during the third and fourth centuries. But mostly after the breakup of the great Marib dam and settled in the region of Damascus. Christian by religion, they allied themselves with Byzantium.
They also agreed to protect the southern flank of the Byzantine Empire against intrusion of other Arab tribes. This alliance held well throughout the wars between the Byzantines and the Persian Empires. Another group emigrated and settled in Hira, where they established the kingdom of Lakham. After the departure of two major empires of the time, the Byzantine and the Persian during 6th century, many Ghassanids allied themselves with increasingly dominating Arab tribes from the heartland of Arabia. This political dynamics is important, because it is out of the interaction of the Arab tribes and the leaders of these kingdoms that the early Islamic community, and later the Islamic Empire, emerge.
*
Their country was the caravan, their life the most unexpected of the voyages. As any journey, theirs too, would be ruled by twin houses of mystery and discovery. Their wrists have experienced in turn the caresses of silk, the abuses of wool, the gold of princes and chain of slaves. Their eyes have seen cities die and empires perish. And their camels moved forward in time with the rise and fall of its rhythms.
Once crowded incense road run some 2.400 miles through Arabia, from southern Oman, through Yemeni high mountains, across the dunes and black volcanic deserts of Saudi Arabia to Petra. In Roman times, a rugged journey of some 80 marches, offered challenges. To the Romans frankincense symbolized divinity, an offering on a part with gold and myrrh, another Arabian incense also prized for medicine. Thousand of years earlier Egyptians were using the "perfume of the gods" for temple rites. The road to the Yemeni Arab sea coast is covered with frankincense groves. Only here do trees find conditions ideal. It is here that Arabian Desert makes a quick change. A roof of monsoon clouds suddenly quenched the blinding sun. The air chilled at the road climbed gently. The caravans left behind the granite hills that soon floated like dark, low clouds on shimmering mirage.
Camels with their soft padded feet moved easier on that soft sand that skirts the southwest sand of the Empty Quarter, a great blank on Arabians maps. Small clay figures found in Yemen and dating from 1000 B.C are among the earliest depictions of the camel. Thriving on harsh vegetation that would starve other beasts, the camel provides milk, wool, meat and leather. As the Holy Kuran notes "only on them, as well as on ships, ye ride" Ancient ghost town Haribart, AlJubah, AlMasajid marked the way.
Glory of Sheba or Saba seems to longer in the ancient capital of Mareb where the fabled queen who brought to King Sulaiman "such abundance of spices" may once have ruled. There is also an oval shaped temple of the shape of the moon. Past Najran some 60 miles to the north at Bir Hima ancient caravans left thousand of inscriptions on the sandstone. Most are simple graffiti of rustics, some are illustrated with scenes of camel herds, a date harvest, ibex, hunters wielding spear. From Petra the incense traveled on to Gaza, across the Sinai to major processing plants in Alexandria, north to Palmyra and Damascus, east to Euphrates. Marking similar of those at Marib, perhaps a merchant monograph were found on vessels at the other end of the incense route - at Gaza on the Mediterranean.
Amre, son of Amre from Saba emigrated with his family and many of his followers north (of Marib) They settled in Houran. After their departure from Yemen Houran became their first home. The land of Houran lies about twenty miles to the south of Damascus. It is a vast region with mountains, valleys and plain. The climate is mild and its soil fertile. The Ghassanids were named after the well where they first settled upon their arrival from Yemen. Amer El-Ghatreef known also as "Maussma", meaning the "Water from Heaven" for his generosity, became the first Ghassanid king. He lived about the beginning of the third century AD. The Ghassanids would soon became the leaders of all Arab tribes in Syria. The city of Damascus was under their rule and also the territory of the country known today as Jordan.
THE GHASSANIDS - POETS, MEN OF ARTS AND LITERATURE
The Gassanids Kingdom extended to the Red Sea to the South and the Euphrates to the North. The Jordan and Yarmuk valleys were included in their realms. The city of Joulan, known today as Balkaa was their capital. The ruins of palaces, churches, castles, public baths, aquaducts in Houran are evidence of the sophistication of their culture in civilization. The Ghassanits lived in the palace in the middle of the city town and administered their vast realms. They traded extensively. The Greeks gave the Ghassanids kings the title "ElHarith" , the kings of Hira the title of "ElMunzer". These two titles were equivalent to title of Pharaon of Egypt, Negus in Abyssinia and Caesar in Rome. The Emperors of Constantinople gave them the tile of "Patrik" meaning the father.
The Ghassanid kings were known for their generosity. The last to succeed the throne was Jeblet son of ElAyham, who built the town of Jeblet situated between Latakieh and Tripoli (present day Syiria and Lebanon). He was such a good and strong king that for decades after his death his name was a symbol of strength and glory. After his death and the coming of the Islam, the Ghassanids became again scattered far and wide.
THE GEBARAS, GBARA, JEBERA, JEBARA, SCEBERRAS
Historical evidence shows that some Christian families in Syria and Lebanon and especially the Gebaras were direct descendants of the noble Ghassanids. They originate from the city of Azra in the land of Houran. Azra used to be known also as Azrai, meaning the fortress. It lies some 75 five miles from Bosra Eskj Sham, some 612 km above sea level. Azra is known for its ancient Greek and Roman connection. Many of the battles between the Crusaders and the Moslems were fought on its grounds and streets. As the Banu Ghassan, the Gebaras were interested in art, literature and especially poetry.
The story of the Gebara ancestry has been passed down through the ages from father to son:
They were of Ghassanid origin and came to Lebanon after Moslem conquest from Houran and prior that from Yemen and were of Greek Ortodox faith. Some of them still live in Azra, but the majority went to Damscus and Acre, some to Arjeyoun and
Kornet Shahwan.
Their features were confirmed as follows: high temple, big noses, prominent foreheads, fuzzy hair, small jaws, thin lips, beautifully straight teeth, well proportioned features, dark complexions, black eyes and beautiful figure. Further generosity, contentment, fondness of country life, bravery, distinguished looks and benevolence. In all ages and epochs the Gebaras -Jebaras -Jeberas - Sceberras went through, there were among them men and women outstanding in bravery, administrative work, learning, religion, writings. Among them are generals, administrators, bishops, priests, monks, physicians, pharmacists, scientists, lawyers, merchants, benefactors.
The Gebara family includes both Christians and Moslems. The Moslem Gebaras adopted Islam during the time of Arab conquest, and re-migrated the respective Moslem community. The Moslem Gebaras went to El-Median, Yunbu, Asffan, Alexandira, Beer Sheba, Jub Jennine, Majdal Balhiss, El-Kerou, Tripoli.
The places where the Christian Gebars went are Damascus, Marjeyoun, Kornet Shahwan, Jebbata el-Zeit, Ammatour, Zahleh, Jell elDeeb, Ain Aiir, Aleppo, Alexandria, Austria/Slovenia - then named Carantania, which known to them from their extensive trading contacts.
Was ancient Carantania their timber supplier? More, it goes for a very old link and goes back all the way to Yemen, to ancient Sabean kingdom.
Others group proceeded to Greece and Turkey, the rest remained in Azra. The group that went to Alexandria in Egypt proceeded to Malta and give rise to one of the finest Maltese aristocratic families. They owned the Peninsula Sceberras on which the Maltese capital Valletta is situated and was later sold to the Knights of Malta. Again Malta used to be known to them from their trading contacts from Yemen.
*
In this autumn day, the yellowing leaves in Azra were more securely attached to the trees, their city was divided. Orchards have been laid to waste, the peasants would complain. And the night hid his face.
How many great kings, or inspired poets, or intrepid travelers have never been able to attain the destiny which seemed promised to them?
On each new shore, they attached to their name the name of their homeland they left behind. The Slovenian Julian Alps are the first mountain barrier separating the Mediterranean from Continental Central Europe. A largely mountainous region, almost half of it covered with forests, pastures, fields, vineyards and orchards. The snow fell continuously, covering the land with a veil of peace and serenity which nothing seemed able to destroy. They no longer saw land, nor sea, nor sun, nor the end of their journey. Weather they would encounter death or glory. Or have they reached the oasis of clear springs or a pyramid of silk cushions of brocade.
Wherever you will be, some will want to ask questions about your skin or your prayers. Muslim, Jew or Christian, beware of bending before the multitude. When mans mind seems narrow to you tell yourself that the land of God is broad, broad His hands and broad His heart. Never hesitate to got far away beyond all seas, all frontiers, and all beliefs. I for my part - so it seems - have reached the end of my wanderings
The white community in Europe too is composed of three main cultures, western, eastern and southern. The "southern culture" in Europe is at least known and acknowledged.
One thing is certain: half buried along the frankincense trail from the sacred groves of Yemen, the fragrant alters of Rome, rose gardens of Damascus, harbors Malta, and deep forests of ancient Carantania, waiting to be read, lies a compelling chapter in the history of man.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Chronology for the area of Marib, The American Institute for Yemeni Studies, Sanaa, Yemen
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis, The Diachronic Supremacy of Yemen, in Yemen Times, issue 756, 19th July 2004, Sanaa, Yemen -
Irfan Shahid, Byzantium and the Arabs in the Sixth Century, ISBN: 0-88402-284-6, The Gebara family site http://gebara.marjeyoun.net -
Raymond Faris Gebara, The Rise of the Ghassanids
The name Carantania for the ancient Slovenian state was in use
well into Fourteen Century for the territory of present day Republic of Slovenia and Austria.
Herman de Carinthia (ca 1100 - 1154) second in line of the Great Carantanian Federation became the most important promoter of Arab culture in Europe and builder of bridges between Europe and the Arab and Islamic world. He was also a man for whom borders simply did not exist. It was him who laid the foundation for a Euro Arab cultural exchange. A mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, philosopher, writer. He translated the first draft of the Holy Quran into Latin as well as important books in the field from astronomy, philosophy from Arab authors.
His life stations Constantinople, Damscus, Toledo, Toulousse, Beziers.
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