Laws of the Himyarites

The Law of the Himyarites, also known by its Greek title 'Nomoi ton Homeriton' (Νόμοι των Όμηριτών), or by its Latin 'Leges Homeritarum' is a composite text of hagiography and some authentic pre-Islamic South Arabian jurisprudence. Differentiating pious legend from historical Himyarite law remains a point of academic debate. The laws enclosed are not arranged thematically, but may be categorized under seven different themes: (1) Marriage law; (2) the institution of slavery; (3) right of employment; (4) Social deviance; (5) cruelty against animals; (6) Proprietorial law; (7) and regulation of State officeholders. Within the last class are laws concerning sorcery, poisoning, perjury, theft, extrajudicial punishments, infringing ecclesiastical asylum, workhouses for criminals and prohibitions on begging.