Marid Castle

Marid Castle is a historic military fortress in Dumat al-Jandal, Al-Jawf region, Saudi Arabia, about 50 km from Sakaka [1]. Built in the first century AD, it is among the oldest surviving castles in the Arabian Peninsula [1]. The fortress was first mentioned in the third century during Queen Zenobia's campaign against Dumat al-Jandal and Tayma, when her troops were unable to capture it [1]. Legend records her remark: "Marid has rebelled, and Ablaq has glorified" [1]. The castle sits on a hill commanding strategic views of the surrounding desert landscape.