Part 7/8:
Pre-Islamic Arabia witnessed the rise and fall of notable kingdoms—though none managed to unify the disparate tribes effectively. The Himyarite Kingdom in the south became a significant player, transitioning from polytheism to monotheism in the 4th century AD. Conversely, the Ghassanid and Lakhmid kingdoms represented northern Arabia's affiliations with dominant foreign powers, such as the Roman and Persian empires.
Despite their influence, these kingdoms varied significantly in governance—from monarchical systems in the South to oligarchic structures in the North. The political landscape was marked by shifting allegiances and conflicts, hampering any cohesive attempt at unification among Arabs.