6th century
Najran, South Arabia
The Massacre of the Christians of Najran was a violent episode in South Arabia in 523, when Christians in Najran were killed during persecution associated with the Jewish king Dhu-Nuwas of Himyar. Najran, then a major Christian cultural and commercial center, became the principal site of martyrdom remembered in traditions that prompted King Kaleb of Aksum to intervene militarily.
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The Story
South Arabia contained communities adhering to Jewish, Christian, and traditional Arabian religions. Christians had developed organized communities with support from Aksum and Byzantium, especially in Najran and Zafar, while Jewish communities were established in Saba and Himyar. Rivalry over religion, political influence, and trade intensified as Christian institutions expanded.
During the reign of Justin I in Byzantium and Kaleb in Aksum, the Jewish king of Himyar, known by several names including Dhu-Nuwas, persecuted Christians with the support of Jews and pagans. The account states that Christians at Zafar and Najran were massacred. It identifies Najran as the most highly developed Christian center and names the revered nobleman Harite, or Aretas, among the martyrs.
The massacre had consequences beyond Najran. Christian survivors and informants carried news to Aksum and Constantinople, while Bishop Thomas traveled to Abyssinia to seek assistance. The reports helped generate the Aksumite military response that culminated in Kaleb’s crossing of the Red Sea and campaign against Himyar.
6th century
Najran, South Arabia
The Massacre of the Christians of Najran was a violent episode in South Arabia in 523, when Christians in Najran were killed during persecution associated with the Jewish king Dhu-Nuwas of Himyar. Najran, then a major Christian cultural and commercial center, became the principal site of martyrdom remembered in traditions that prompted King Kaleb of Aksum to intervene militarily.
Continue exploring
The Story
South Arabia contained communities adhering to Jewish, Christian, and traditional Arabian religions. Christians had developed organized communities with support from Aksum and Byzantium, especially in Najran and Zafar, while Jewish communities were established in Saba and Himyar. Rivalry over religion, political influence, and trade intensified as Christian institutions expanded.
During the reign of Justin I in Byzantium and Kaleb in Aksum, the Jewish king of Himyar, known by several names including Dhu-Nuwas, persecuted Christians with the support of Jews and pagans. The account states that Christians at Zafar and Najran were massacred. It identifies Najran as the most highly developed Christian center and names the revered nobleman Harite, or Aretas, among the martyrs.
The massacre had consequences beyond Najran. Christian survivors and informants carried news to Aksum and Constantinople, while Bishop Thomas traveled to Abyssinia to seek assistance. The reports helped generate the Aksumite military response that culminated in Kaleb’s crossing of the Red Sea and campaign against Himyar.
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