"When we started excavations in 1988, there was nothing apart from a 3m (10ft) hill with columns jutting out and some blocks of stone," said another German archaeologist.

German financed teams have been digging in the area since 1988, but the site has only been open to the public since November.

However, the area is considered a no-go zone for Western tourists because of the high risk of kidnapping by Yemeni bandits.

Ancient relic

The throne is the only vestige to be unearthed of a civilisation founded in the 10th Century BC and which reached its peak between the eighth and first centuries BC.

The temple was abandoned after 14 centuries when the kingdom's subjects started to convert to Judaism and Christianity. The destruction of the Marib Dam in 572AD sealed its demise.

Archaeologists estimate enough remains to be unearthed at the site to keep them occupied for another decade and need a further $12m dollars to finance their work.

However, they are confident their research could unlock the mystery surrounding the legendary Queen of Sheba and the site could potentially become the eighth wonder of the world.