Tayma

Tayma is a major oasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia covering approximately 950 hectares, with evidence of human habitation from the 4th millennium BC. It served as a key station on ancient trade routes connecting South Arabia with the Eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamia. In the mid-6th century BC, Babylonian king Nabonidus made Tayma his residence for roughly ten years, controlling Arabian trade routes from this capital-in-exile. The site preserves massive ancient walls, Aramaic and Taymanitic inscriptions, rock art depicting horses and chariots, and a 2010 discovery of the first hieroglyphic inscription found on Saudi soil, commissioned by Ramesses III.