With a post 100 AD/CE Pod is is possible to have Yemen conquered and incorporated into the Roman Empire? What kind of impact might this have on the Empire?
Its difficult for them to directly control the region, due to the cost of transiting the Sinai.
It is far more like for the Romans to conquer and incorporate the Hejaz region than Yemen, as would be easier to envision and far more likely to have Axum or the Sassanids incorporating Yemen.
Far better to let Axum handle matters in the S. Arabian peninsula as per OTL, for logistical reasons as well as not to intrude upon their friendly relations with the Ethiopians by treading on their sphere of influence.
Any direct attempt by the Romans at any time during the POD will be a case of imperial overstretch.
Just a suggestion: how plausible is the idea of Roman garrisons being stationed along the Red Sea Coast and on the Horn of Africa?
They would be there to protect Roman traders and occasionally launch punitive raids against pirate bases. It's not direct control (since they'd have to have the permission of local powers, especially Axum). The Romans did something similar in Northern Scotland and in Denmark/Northern Germany.
Cheers,
Ganesha
Without direct sea access to the Med., its very implausible.
A transhipment canal, not a (modern) Suez canal equivalent.
Very correct. But major improvement compared to moving cargo overland on Camel back !
Unfortunately for the WI, a proper sea canal is also a significant project at best.
And "significant projects" when the existing system works satisfactorily are rarely attempted. Rome has no reason to treat a Suez canal as we moderns do - even with favorable assumptions, it's useful but not invaluable.