Final answer:
Besides the Hebrews, the Himyarites in Arabia transitioned to monotheism when King Abu Karib As'ad converted to Judaism around 390 CE. This marked a significant shift from traditional polytheism to a society embracing the monotheistic practices and constructing synagogues, reflecting a broader religious transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the era of ancient civilizations, monotheism was a rare religious concept, with most societies practicing polytheism. The Hebrews introduced the idea of a singular god, Yahweh, through the influence of figures such as Abraham and Moses. This was especially prominent during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah, who pushed for the centralized worship of Yahweh. However, the journey towards strict monotheism was a complex and gradual evolution, facing challenges and deviations from polytheistic influences.
Histories and biblical accounts suggest that the Yahweist religion and what we now understand as Judaism did not form in isolation. It was influenced by, and at times diverged into, the worship of other deities. Nevertheless, by the time of the Persian Empire's rule, the structure of Judaism, including central tenets such as the dietary restrictions and exclusive worship of Yahweh, was in a much clearer form.
An interesting example of monotheism outside the Hebrew context is the Himyarites of Arabia. In Late Antiquity, the Himyarite Kingdom experienced a transformation when King Abu Karib As'ad embraced Judaism around 390 CE. This change laid the foundation for a monotheistic culture within the Himyarite society, with the firm establishment of Judaism among its elite and the broader construction of synagogues and monotheistic inscriptions occurring throughout the kingdom.