Part 4/9:
The geography of Yemen provides vital insight into the establishment of Shibam. Much of Yemen's landscape consists of arid desert, but the city of Shibam is located near the wadi Hadramout, a riverbed that carries water during the rainy season. This oasis of water made the city an essential stop on a comprehensive caravan network that once connected Africa, the Middle East, and India, facilitating trade in spices and incense.