The Geographical Location of the Ak Tribe's Dwellings Before Islam and Its Importance

Abstract

The Ak tribe, one of the tribes of Yemen ٫ inhabited  Tihama of Yemen facing the Red Sea coast in an important strategic location on the trade caravan routes that linked the country of Yemen to the Hijaz. Its main base was Al-Mahmaj, whose land was endowed with abundant resources of water and agricultural sources. Its lands included fertile villages , valleys and the mountains. It had common homes with other Tihama tribes, including the Ash’ari and Al-Hakam, which linked it with  a peaceful relationship based on alliances. It was known as one of the strong and fierce tribes in combat when it emerged as a fighting force that defended its lands and fought long wars from the third century AD until the sixth century AD. It was the prominent ally of the Abyssinians who spread out and established themselves in Wadi Saham.

It was an ally of the Arab tribes residing within the Tihama region of Yemen, such as the Ash'aris and the Sahras, who stood united with it with the Ethiopians to repel the attacks of the kings of Sheba and Dhu Raydan and the continuous attacks of the Himyarite state on them.