Shem

In the biblical book of Genesis, Shem was the son of Noah and brother of Japheth and Ham.

Based upon the theory that all current humans are descendants of Noah, ancient and medieval biblical scholars posited that the peoples of the world could be placed into one of three categories corresponding with each of Noah's sons. Examples of adherence to this theory can be seen as late as the late 19th century; however, the huge advances made by 20th century archaeologists, anthropologists, and ethnographers have served to place this theory in to the realm of "quaint old belief."