Yemen kingdom history overwiev with rulers

Yemen's history is rich and complex, marked by various kingdoms and rulers over the centuries. Here's an overview: 1. Ancient Yemen**: Yemen's history dates back to ancient times, with civilizations such as the Sabaean Kingdom (Sheba) flourishing around 1200 BCE. The Sabaeans were known for their advanced irrigation systems and trade routes. Other prominent ancient Yemeni kingdoms include the Himyarite Kingdom and the Kingdom of Awsan. 2. **Islamic Period**: With the spread of Islam in the 7th century, Yemen became part of the early Islamic caliphates. Various dynasties ruled Yemen during this period, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids. 3. Rasulid Sultanate (1229–1454): The Rasulid dynasty, of Turkish origin, established a sultanate in Yemen with its capital in Zabid. They ruled over much of Yemen and the southern regions of the Arabian Peninsula. 4. **Mamluk Sultanate (1229–1454)**: In parallel with the Rasulid Sultanate, the Mamluks, a dynasty of slave soldiers, also ruled parts of Yemen during this period. Their rule was centered in Egypt, but they exerted influence over Yemen. 5. **The Zaydi Imamate (897–1962)**: The Zaydi Shia sect established the Imamate in Yemen in the 9th century. The Zaydi Imams ruled over various parts of Yemen, including the northern highlands. The Imamate continued to exist until the 1962 revolution, although its power and territory fluctuated over the centuries. 6. **Ottoman Rule (16th–20th century)**: The Ottoman Empire exerted control over Yemen from the 16th century until the early 20th century. However, Ottoman rule was often challenged by local Yemeni tribes and rulers. 7. **British Influence in Southern Yemen**: In the 19th and 20th centuries, parts of southern Yemen came under British influence, with the establishment of the Aden Protectorate. This area later became the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) after gaining independence from Britain in 1967. 8. **North Yemen and South Yemen Unification (1990)**: North Yemen (Yemen Arab Republic) and South Yemen (People's Democratic Republic of Yemen) unified in 1990 to form the Republic of Yemen. Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had been ruling North Yemen since 1978, became the president of unified Yemen. 9. **Post-Unification**: Ali Abdullah Saleh remained in power until 2012, when he was ousted following a popular uprising during the Arab Spring. His vice president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, took over the presidency. However, Yemen has since been plagued by political instability, civil unrest, and conflict, including the ongoing civil war between the internationally recognized government led by Hadi and the Houthi rebels. Throughout its history, Yemen has been characterized by a mix of tribalism, regionalism, and external influences, which have shaped its political landscape and contributed to its diverse cultural heritage.