Qataban was an ancient kingdom located in what is now Yemen, flourishing from around the 4th century BCE to the 2nd century CE. It was known for its rich agricultural land and trade routes, which connected it to other civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The kingdom's capital was the city of Timna, which served as a center for commerce and culture. The people of Qataban spoke a Semitic language and used a unique script for writing. They were skilled in various crafts, including pottery and metalwork, and their economy was largely based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of frankincense and myrrh. The kingdom eventually declined due to various factors, including trade competition and political instability.