Tayma

Tayma is a major oasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia covering approximately 950 hectares, with evidence of human habitation from the 4th millennium BC [1] [2] [3]. It served as a key station on ancient trade routes connecting South Arabia with the Eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamia [2] [3]. In the mid-6th century BC, Babylonian king Nabonidus made Tayma his residence for roughly ten years [1] [4]. The site preserves massive ancient walls, Aramaic and Taymanitic inscriptions, rock art depicting horses and chariots [1] [2].