Archaeological research at the oasis of Tayma, Saudi Arabia

"The Archaeology of the Oasis Tayma: Continuity and Change of Subsistence in the arid north-western region of the Arabian Peninsula from the Neolithic to Islamic periods" is a joint-project of the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Riyadh, and the German Archaeological Institute, Berlin. Regular seasons of excavation have been conducted since 2004.

Location

Location

The oasis of Tayma (27°37'30" N, 38°32'30" E, ca 830 m above sea level) is located in the north-west of the Arabian Peninsula, an area which is characterised by its arid climate. Modern Tayma belongs to the Province of Tabuk. Tayma is situated in a flat basin and is surrounded by several mountainous heights, such as the Jabal Ghunaym. North of the settlement is a large seasonal salt pan (sebkha) occupied by a lake some ten thousand years ago. The characteristic environment of the oasis is best represented by the Bir Hadaj well of some 18 m diameter in the city centre and extended palm gardens. The rapidly growing modern settlement presently covers about one third of ancient Tayma, which has an estimated area of some 500 ha. The most visible remains of the ancient occupation are the high surrounding walls.

History

	View on the site
	City wall of Tayma

There are three main factors which impact on the historical interpretation of Tayma: the existence of an oasis as a precondition for the settlement of humans, its function as a trade-station on the incense route, and the residence of the Babylonian king Nabonidus in the mid-6th century BC.
Archaeological excavations have encountered phases of occupation which may last from the Middle Bronze Age (early 2nd millennium BC) to the Islamic periods. The earliest remains of settlement consist of the remains of a silex-industry for the production of beads (4th millennium BC). The rich record of written sources from the site and its surroundings have provided mainly Taymanitic ('Thamudic') and Aramaic inscriptions of the 1st millennium BC. Assyrian sources inform us about contacts between Assyria and the Arab tribes (from the 9th century BC). After the mention of a caravan from Tayma in a source of the mid-8th century BC from the Middle Euphrates, Tayma enters Assyrian written history only when it has to pay tribute to Tiglath-pileser III. Further Assyrian (and biblical) sources recognise the role of Tayma as a trading post, and in the following centuries relations between the neighbouring cities Tayma and Dedan (present day Khuraybah) were characterised by rivalry. Further information about the nature of the connections between Tayma and superimposed political entities during the Neo-Babylonian and Achaemenid periods is known only in very general terms. The same goes for the relationship to regional powers, such as the Lihyanite kingdom. During the Minaean period (ca 400 BC) Tayma ceded pre-eminence to Dedan. Later on it formed a part of the Nabataean and Romano-Byzantine realm. Although the poet Imru' al-Qays (d. 540 AD) says that the rain-storm "does not leave a palm-tree in Tayma nor a house unless it is built of stone", the city played an important role in the expansion of Islam towards the Levant. As late as the 11th century, according to the historian al-Bakri, Tayma was known as a wealthy place with a large city wall.  

Objectives

	Tayma Stone

The project has the following main aims:
- The acquisition, recording and study of archaeological data: topography, natural environment (specifically hydrology and geology), chronology and material culture.
- Social relations and patterns of subsistence: political organisation, organisation of family / kinship groups, techniques of subsistence and production, cultic life.
- Cultural, political and economic foreign relations: settlement patterns, regional and supra-regional relations (Mesopotamia, South Arabia, Gulf region, Levant, Egypt).

In order to achieve the aims of research effective digital recording and processing of the data is necessary by means of the project's Geographic Information System (GISTa) which is adapted continuously to the working programme of the archaeological project. Outreach work is concerned with measures taken on the site itself (presentation of the site and selected contexts, consolidation and restoration measures, co-operation with the local museum) and at communicating and presenting the results via Internet, by lectures and through publications. 

History of Research

	General site plan (1980)

In 1877 C. Doughty delivered the first detailed description of the site of Tayma, including its architecture and pottery, and a sketch map. Subsequently, the investigations of C. Huber in 1883 (later together with J. Euting) resulted in the Tayma Stele to be exposed in the Musée du Louvre. Decades later, H.St J. Philby started archaeological and environmental observations at the site (1951). The publication by Winnett and Read (1970) of their survey in NW Arabia provided not only a wealth of textual evidence from the site (mainly dated to the 6th century BC) but also presented the characteristic painted potsherds. After that, P. Parr conducted excavations at a nearby watch-tower. The systematic investigation and record of archaeological sites by the Directorate of Antiquities of the Kingdom which started in the mid-1970s and saw the foundation of the journal ATLAL led to further research at the site. In 1979, G. Bawden, C. Edens and R. Miller commenced large-scale research at Tayma (Qasr al-Hamra, Qasr al-Radm) and published a plan of the site. The Directorate of Antiquities continued excavations at Tayma, in the cemeteries, irrigation systems and remains of Islamic buildings (see bibliography). On the epigraphic side, attention has been given to the discovery of Taymanitic inscriptions, though not at the site itself but in the vicinity, mentioning king Nabonidus of Babylon (Müller and Said 2002). 

Current Work

	Elevation model of Tayma and its surroundings
	Topographic map of the site
	Geomagnetic prospection

Latest news: During the spring season 2009 a further fragment of a cuneiform text has been found. It mentions the name of the last Babylonian king Nabonidus (556-539 BC) for the first time in Tayma. It joins with a further fragment discovered in 2006 and may belong to the base of a statue or stele, due to its shape and since the cuneiform sign before the king's proper name means "image".

Since 2004 there have been two seasons of field work every year. So far, altogether six periods of occupation have been identified. Archaeological excavations focus on the following contexts:
- Sequence, distribution and chronology of public buildings and of residential quarters of the occupation period 3 (Iron Age, c. 1st millennium BC until the first centuries AD) at the central elevation of the site (Qraya) by means of stratigraphic excavations in soundings and open-area trenches. A temple and extended public architecture have been identified in the northeastern part of Qraya (Area E); to the South-West there are remains of residential buildings (Areas F and D).
- Stratigraphic research of remains from occupation periods 3 and 2 northwest of the previously mentioned area (mid-1st millennium BC until the Islamic period), on both sides of the internal wall (Area C); investigation of the ditch identified by a geomagnetic prospection (Area G) and of settlement remains in this area (Squares C2, C3, C4, C6).
- Research into remains of the occupation period 4 (late 2nd/early 1st millennia BC) between the internal and external wall (Area O) and investigations of contemporary remains at the external wall (Area A in the west and square W10 in the south).
- Identification of remains of occupation period 5 (early 2nd millennium BC) to which the construction of the external wall has been attributed.
- Selected soundings as result of observed peculiarities at the surface or anomalies detected by the geophysical prospections (Areas H, L, M).
- At the invitation by the Antiquities Department, salvage excavations were carried out in 2004 in the burial ground of Talah (Area S), located south-east of Tayma.
- Studies on the construction and organisation of the fortification system (sub-project of the Brandenburg Technical University at Cottbus (BTU)), between 2006 and 2008 funded by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung.
- From stratified contexts samples were collected for scientific analyses, such as, e.g., radiocarbon (C14) dating, palaeobotanical and palaeozoological studies.
- Geological and geo-archaeological research (University of Marburg) as well as studies of the hydrology and water management (University of Applied Sciences, Lübeck) are parts of the research of the ancient environment. Studies on recent vegetation have been conducted in 2009 for the first time. 

Methods

	Excavations in Area E

The archaeological project integrates a number of disciplines from historical studies (Semitic philology, Assyriology, architectural history and restoration) and geo-sciences (palaeozoology, palaeobotany, hydrology, geology and geophysics, minaralogy and petrology), thereby involving a variety of methods. The interdisciplinary co-operation is continuously being extended and intensified. This is also valid for the co-operation between the departments of the German Archaeological Institute and partner universities on a national and international level.

Examples of applied methods:

- As regards information technology, the GIS and its relational database system serve as the backbone of the project. Geographical information and all archaeological data on contexts and objects are collected and processed.
- Architectural remains are recorded digitally (tachymeter, photogrammetry) and by hand-drawings. The complete data are digitally processed.
- Systematic survey data are supported by GPS.
- At the end of excavations, free-standing building remains are treated by restorers; other areas which have been fully recorded are being refilled.
- The fabric-type reference chart for pottery contains seven main petrographic groups, which have been determined by thin-section analysis.
- Selected deposits are dated by optically stimulated luminiscence (OSL).
- The following geophysical prospections have been carried out: Geo-magnetic prospection, geo-radar (GPR), geo-electrical resistivity measurements.
- Before C14-analysis is carried out the species of the samples are defined. 

Results

	Large building (temple) in Area E
	Late Babylonian stele
	Head of a Lihyanite statue
	Fragments of arm and hand of a statue
	Body fragments of Lihyanite statues
	Incense burner with Nabataean inscription
	At the inner city wall (Area C)
	Sandstone stele (Area C)
	Painted pottery from Area O
	Wooden fragments with incised decoration (Area O)
	Area S: Stone tombs at Talah
	Palm-tree gardens in the oasis

Excavations in the central area: Qraya

On top of Qraya (also known as Qasr al-Ablaq), the central elevation of Tayma, close by some trenches of former excavations, five building levels of the occupation period 3 (Iron Age) have been identified above the bedrock. The middle building level is characterised by remains of a large representative building used as a temple, which underwent several renovations. The building covers an area of more than 500 m2. The construction of the best-preserved building level can tentatively be dated to a period covering the reign of the Liyhanite dynasty until the Nabataeans (4th cent. BC until 2nd cent. AD). Under its foundation level there are remains of possible earlier buildings of a different orientation. A columned hall forms the core-area of the penultimate building stage of the edifice. At this time, the building was reached by two opposing stairs through the south-western façade, probably flanked by sphinxes. A subterranean tunnel should belong to the earliest building phase. During or after the 3rd century BC (C14) the space between the columns was filled. For the construction parts of the equipment of the temple of the Lihyanite period have been re-used, such as an originally painted fragment of a larger than life-size statue (it is the second one from Tayma; an identical one is stored in the Museum). The fragment can be compared with similar statues discovered by Jaussen and Savignac in Khuraybah and others recently found by the Saudi-Arabian expedition at the site, also in a temple. Nearby to the statue fragment, the head and parts of the arms and legs have been found. Pillars with inscriptions by the Lihyanite king TLMY (from his 30th and 40th regnal year) and another inscription from his 20th year show that there was a periodical deposition of Lihyanite royal inscriptions in a cultic building in the centre of Tayma. Details of the historical and political background have yet to be investigated. It is most probable that the inscriptions can be attributed to the first TLMY of the Lihyanite king list who reigned 44 years (Farès-Drappeau 2005). Decorative building elements and an inscription of king Aretas IV evidence the relations between Hegra and Tayma during the Nabataean period.

Stele of King Nabonidus

In the debris outside the temple, a stele with a semi-circular field of representation has been discovered. From the iconographic representation (standing royal figure, three astral symbols of gods) and an engraved cuneiform inscription it can be identified as a product of the Babylonian king Nabonidus, who stayed for 10 years in Tayma during the mid-6th century BC. Whereas this newly found fragment conforms to established Babylonian iconography, the representation of a royal figure on the so-called Tayma-stone is carved on the lateral side of the monument. This stele, found some 120 years ago, can be dated by its Aramaic inscription to the 5th/4th centuries BC. In the meantime, additional stone fragments of cuneiform inscriptions have also been discovered one of them mentioning a king of Babylon (lugal tin.tir).

Building remains South-West of the temple

South-West of the temple a residential area has been excavated, dating to the 2nd to 4th centuries AD thus covering the latest attested building stage of the temple. From the debris several incense burners have been recovered, one of them bearing a Nabataean inscription. Further South-West four buildings of the 3rd / 4th centuries AD (C14) have been discovered in Area F. Their ground-plan and dimensions are regular (11 x 11 m). The inventory allows a reconstruction of several domestic activities such as food processing and food consumption (tools, kitchen equipment, pottery). Under these buildings further building remains have been identified associated with dichromatic pottery of the mid-1st millennium BC which has also been found in the area north of the temple. A context similar to the discoveries in Area F may have been excavated in Area D at the South-Western end of the main mound of Qraya.

City wall

Remains of the wall-system of Tayma are preserved up to a length of 15 km. At some places the walls are preserved up to 8 m in height. Earlier studies have evidenced various construction techniques. Also a number of rectangular towers belong to the city wall. On the interior side of the wall there are staircases and corridors. On both sides of the wall there are massive accumulations of sand. Since 2006 the city walls of Tayma have been investigated by a research project by the Brandenburg Technical University at Cottbus (BTU) in co-operation with the department for architecture of the German Archaeological Institute. This research includes the systematic surveying of the city walls by DGPS as well as investigations of their organisation and construction techniques by means of archaeological excavation.

The outer wall - a construction of the 2nd millennium BC

The outer wall has been erected on sediments lying on top on the natural bedrock. For its construction mudbricks and sandstone blocks have been used - also at its lowest level. Scientific analysis by means of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of the sand accumulations reaching the city wall (Square C1) have provided a date for the deposition of these materials at the foot of the city wall. It ranges between 2,069 and 1,527 BC and supports the archaeological dating of the wall. Further OSL-samples are presently being processed.

Occupation of the 2nd/1st millennium BC at the outer wall

Painted surface pottery and terracotta figurines suggested the presence of 1st millennium BC contexts at the western outer city wall. Attached to the probably latest stone phase of the wall - sitting upon the mud-brick construction - there was a small building (Area A). The pottery record (pottery similar to the so-called Qurayyah painted ware) and the 14C-dates from the stratigraphic sequence point to the occupation period 4 (late 2nd / early 1st millennium BC). The location of the building on top of the immense sand deposits supports the hypothesis that the city wall itself belongs to an earlier period.

Between the outer and inner walls

Between outer and inner wall a rectangular building has been discovered in Area O. It is surrounded by a row of pilasters; at the front side there is a double row of these pilasters. The building contains numerous fragments of charred wood and ivory objects as well as carbonised remains of grapes and barley. Several figurines made of faience represent Egyptian goddesses such as Isis and Bastet/Sakhmet. An early 1st millennium BC scarab with the representation of a human head has also been found. The numerous sherds of polychrome painted pottery and also unpainted items are very similar in shape and decoration to the pottery from the building attached to the outer wall in Area A. They resemble also the so-called Qurayyah painted ware. Also for this complex, therefore, a date from the late 2nd millennium BC to the early first millennium BC can be envisaged, i.e. occupation period 4 (C14-dates indicate a 12th to 10th century BC date for this context). East of the building there is an extended complex with stone-paved rooms and a corridor which once may have been an entrance. The entire area was surrounded by a substantial 2m wide stone-wall. One of the younger graves discovered in Area O was covered with a so-called eye-stele bearing an Aramaic inscription. It had been re-used for this burial.

Ditch at the inner wall

Due to the identification of the geophysical anomaly outside the inner wall as a ditch (Area G) several stratigraphic soundings were laid out with the aim of detecting the sequence of construction of the two walls and the occupation between them (Area C). Excavations revealed a ditch (12 m wide, at least 6 m deep) running parallel to the inner city wall. The material resulting from excavation in antiquity of the ditch may have been used as filling material of the inner wall, which has been constructed of quarry-stones.

Aramaic Inscriptions and a stele

At the edge of the ditch, in a secondary position, a four-line Aramaic stone-inscription was found. The text mentions a small outlet in the city wall and the Lihyanite ruler LWDN who can be dated slightly later than the above-mentioned TLMY who deposited his inscriptions in the temple (Area E). The governor of Tayma at that time was a certain Natir-El, and it remains to be studied which degree of autonomy he enjoyed.
On the interior side of the inner wall, a stele of sandstone has been reused. Its obverse shows a male figure with rich hair and a short dress, carrying weapons. The nearest admittedly very general, parallels can be found in rock carvings. The three remaining sides of the stone show standing figures. On the original obverse there was a seated figure in a frame. These images had been removed deliberately, most probably before the male figure with the weapons was carved. An Aramaic inscription (5th/4th centuries BC), carved in relief, belongs to the earlier images and gives a first clue to the dating of the object and its context. According to C14 dates, the inner city wall was only erected after the late 1st century BC. Since the wall has been built into a massive deposit of mud it is possible that the reason for constructing wall and ditch may have been a heavy flooding. Building remains beneath this wall will have to be further investigated but they may represent remains of the city wall of the time of the Lihyanite dynasty.

Building remains of the Islamic period and their conservation

Between the outer and inner walls there is a large enclosure with rooms at its corners (c. 2,500 sq.m. extension), probably dating to the early Islamic period (occupation period 2). At latest during the 8th century AD, several small compounds were built inside the inner wall (and not on top of the main mound), probably in the period of the large enclosure. Conservation work started at the remains of the large enclosure. The restoration of a small compound dated to the Islamic period has been completed in 2008.

Salvage excavations (Area S)

Numerous graves have been discovered on rock formations south-east of Tayma. A group of five stone-chambers was excavated in 2004. The grave chambers are between 3.5 and 5 m2 in size. Each of these chambers is closed by a large door stone and several other large stones. In spite of robbery and heavy damage it was possible to identify the burials as collective internments (up to five individuals per grave). At the rear side, there were two small stone cists with individual child burials. The excavated grave complex belongs to occupation period 3 (Iron Age), as attested by painted pottery sherds of the so-called Sana'iya-type from the excavation area known as "Industrial site", some 1 km to the north, and by the architecture and layout of the graves.

Stone tools and the production of beads

The high frequency of stone drills and carnelian beads has been reported before. Whereas the stone tool industries had been tentatively dated to the Iron Age, an earlier date may be possible as suggested by comparative material from northern Saudi-Arabia and South-Eastern Turkey (Chalcolithic). The question of whether the flint industries were once located at the edge of the sebkha is a matter for future study.

Conservation and restauration

Apart from the expanding modern occupation the environmental conditions considerably contribute to the destruction of ancient remains. Archaeological knowledge and the experience of restorers are being used for the development of strategies for consolidation and conservation of the architectural remains of Tayma. Building remains which remain exposed are consolidated and restored. A special mortar made of modified loam has been developed in order to be applied for closing joints. This mortar is free from any chemical additives and can be produced locally in Tayma.

The palaeo-environment

Palaeo-botany and Palaeo-zoology
The first results of palaeobotanic research suggests a vegetation typical for an oasis (date palm, artemisia, tamarisk and also grape-vine). Attested animal species are sheep, goat and a number of birds of prey which may not have been located at Tayma itself. Preliminary analysis of the animal bones shows a very limited occurrence of camel bones in occupation period 4, whereas in the subsequent period (Iron Age) there is an increasing number of camel bones (nearly 20%).

Geology and Hydrology
Research into the geology and the hydrology of the settlement are part of those investigations contributing to the reconstruction of the environment of the oasis. A number of transects have been laid out in the sabkha by a team from Marburg University by means of core drilling, thus offering a section of the deposits in the sebkha. These drillings, analysis of aerial photographs and the results of a sounding cutting the narrow mud wall at the northern border of the settlement (Area SE) allow the following hypothetical reconstruction: The wall divided areas suitable for irrigation located on a terrace (2.3 m below surface) from the salty zones of the sabkha located at a lower level (4.3 m below surface). At the same time its function was that of a drainage wall. The wall had no significance for the fortification. A sounding at the northern end of the sabkha showed algae and gastropods attached to the Ordovician bedrock suggesting the existence of a palaeo-lake whose level once was 13 m higher than the present-day surface of the sabkha. Hydrological research of the University of Applied Sciences at Lübeck are being continued as sub-project sponsored by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Numerous installation for water supply and water management as well as constructions for the protection from water have been identified. Two wells and one spring have been identified within the walled area of the settlement. 

Cooperation

Archaeological research at Tayma is based on a written cooperative agreement between the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (GCTA), Riyadh (Professor Dr Ali al-Ghabban), and the German Archaeological Institute, Oriental Department, Berlin (Professor Dr Ricardo Eichmann). Its inception is due to the initiative and constant support of Professor Said al-Said, King Saud University, Riyadh. The permission and support of the Section for Antiquities and Museums at the GCTA (Director General for excavation and survey, Dr Daifallah al-Talhi) creates the framework for the project.
Archaeological fieldwork is carried out jointly by the Oriental Department of the German Archaeological Institute in Berlin (Director Professor Dr Ricardo Eichmann, Field Director Dr Arnulf Hausleiter [DFG], head of documentation (Mr) Dr Andrea Intilia [DFG]), and the King Saud University (Professor Dr Said al-Said). Specific research issues are studied by several individual sub-projects (see below). The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography in Tayma is the physical base of the project (Director: Mohammed al-Najem).

Scientific Co-operation

- C14-Analysis: Dr Joachim Görsdorf, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Berlin, Zentrale (until 2007).
- City wall studies (Sub-project, Fritz Thyssen Stiftung): Professor Dr Klaus Rheidt (Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus), Dr Peter I. Schneider (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Architekturreferat).
- Epigraphy, languages and history of research: Professor Said F. al-Said, King Saud University, Riyadh.
- Epigraphy, cuneiform texts: Dr Hanspeter Schaudig, University of Heidelberg, Seminar für Sprachen und Kulturen des Vorderen Orients, Assyriologie.
- Geology and Geo-archaeology: Professor Dr Helmut Brückner, Max Engel, Nicole Klasen, Universität Marburg.
- History and textual sources: Professor Dr Norbert Nebes, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
- Hydrology and water management (Sub-project, DFG): Professor Dr Matthias Grottker, Kai Wellbrock, University of Applied Science, Lübeck.
- Mineralogy and Petrography (Sub-project pottery analysis): Professor Dr Claudio Mazzoli, Mirko Giannetta, Unversity of Padua, Department of Mineralogy and Petrology.
- Palaeobotany: Drs Reinder Neef, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Berlin, Zentrale.
- Palaeozoology: Professor Dr Norbert Benecke, Michael Hochmuth, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Berlin, Zentrale.
- Recent vegetation: Professor Dr Harald Kürschner, Free University of Berlin.
- Restoration and Conservation: Gereon Lindlar, Büro für Restaurierungsberatung, Bonn; Jörg Breitenfeldt, Restaurierung am Oberbaum, Berlin.

Scientific services

- C14-Analysis: Leibniz-Labor für Altersbestimmungen, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel.
- Conservation, restauration (stone), consolidation of building remains (2005-2006): ars restauro.
- Geophysical prospections (2005): Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik, Wien.
- Geophysical prospections (2004): GGH GbR, Freiburg.
- Site planning and site management: Albert Distelrath, Cologne.
- Topographic grit (2005-2006): University of Applied Sciences, Chair for Geomatic Engineering, Karlsruhe.

Participants

Majid al-Anizy (2004-2, 2005-1, 2006, 2007-2, 2008), Norman Basler (2008), Abdallah Basonbul (2004-2, 2005-1, 2006-1), Erol Bayirli (2005-1), André Beuger (2004-2, 2005-1, 2006-2), Jan Bosch (2006-2, 2007-1, 2008-1), Christian Bost (2005-2, 2006-1), Jörg Breitenfeldt (2008-2, 2009-1), Helmut Brückner (2006-2, 2007-1), Andreas Bussas (2008-1), Martin Christiansen (2009-1), Oliver Conradt (2007-1), Mirco Cusin (2004-1, 2005-1, 2006-2007, 2009-1), Khalil / Abdulaziz al-Dayel (2005, 2007-2, 2008), Florian Deinert (2007-1), Paolo Del Vesco (2009-1), Albert Distelrath (2008-2), Ricardo Eichmann (since 2004), Max Engel (2006-2, 2007-1, 2008-1), Khaled Eskoubi (2008, 2009-1), Thomas Ewender (2006-1), Denny Fauter (2007-1), Michael Fielauf (2008-2, 2009-1), Armin Frei (2006-1), Mirko Giannetta (2006-1, 2007-1), Stefan Giese (2004-1), Andreas Ginau (2008-1), Thomas Götzelt (2004-2 until 2008-1), Matthias Grottker (2005-1, 2007-1, 2008-1, 2009-1), Detlef Grubert (2004-1), Johannes Hackl (2004-1, 2005-1), Mubarak al-Hajji (2009-1), Rene Hahn (2008-1), Matthias Hamann (2005-1, 2007-1), Holger Hanisch-Gräfe (2006-1, 2007-1, 2008-1), Arnulf Hausleiter (since 2004), Benjamin Heemeier (2007-1, 2009-1), Markus Heller (2008-1), Carsten Henselmann (2008-2), Jeza al-Herbi (2005, 2006-1, 2009-1), Michael Hochmuth (2006-1), Christian Hübner (2004-1), Andrea Intilia (since 2005), Heinz Jantzen (2006-1, 2007-1, 2008-1), Benjamin Junge (2009-1), Thomas Kabs (2009-1), Ulrich Kapp (2008-1), Patrick Keilholz (2007-1, 2008-1), Daniel Keller (2006-2), Nicole Klasen (2009-1), Arno Kose (2006, 2007-1, 2008-1), Johannes Kramer (2008, 2009-1), Jan Krumnow (2005, 2006, 2007-1, 2008, 2009-1), Harald Kürschner (2009-1), Guido Licciardi (2005-2), Gereon Lindlar (2007-2, 2008, 2009-1), Sebastiano Lora (2006-1, 2007, 2008-1, 2009-1), Samy Mahjoub (2009-1), Claudio Mazzoli (2006-1, 2007-1), Frank Mindt (2009-1), Max Möhle (2006, 2007-1), Franz Moll (2005, 2006-1), Maher al-Moosa (2004-2, 2005, 2006-2), Faisal al-Mughailly (2006-2), Mohammed al-Najem (since 2004), Reinder Neef (2005-1, 2006-1, 2008-1, 2009-1), Andreas Nette (2007-1), Arno Patzelt (2007-1, 2008-1, 2009-1), Emmanuele Petiti (2008-1, 2009-1), Alexander Pfützner (2008), Christoph Purschwitz (2005-1, 2006-1, 2007-1, 2009-1), Thomas Pusinelli (2007-1), Naif al-Qanur (2004-2, 2005, 2006), Andrea Ricci (2005-1), Said F. al-Said (2004-2), Alberto Savioli (2004), Hanspeter Schaudig (2005-1), Matthias Scheck (2009-1), Olivier Scheeck (2006-1), Peter Schneider (2005-1, 2006, 2007-1, 2008), Philipp Schwinghammer (2004-1, 2005-1, 2006-1), Sirri Seren (2005-1), Marian Stickel (2005-1), Gunnar Sperveslage (2005-2, 2006-1, 2007-1, 2008-1, 2009-1), Philipp Tollkühn (2009-1), Francelin Tourtet (2008-1, 2009-1), Anselm Ullmann (2006-1), Friedrich Weigel (2008-1, 2009-1), Kai Wellbrock (2008-1, 2009-1), Hagen Wirsing (since 2007), Florian Ziegler (2005-2, 2006-1).

Staff in Berlin

Claudia Beuger (2007), Helga Kosak (since 2008), Anna Kress (2005), Melanie Münzner (since 2008), Jana Rogasch (since 2005), Susanna Wittmann (2005), Benjamin Andreas (2007), Wolfgang Hirth (2008).

Acknowledgements

Our heartfelt thanks go to all institutions and individuals who supported the project. Special thanks go to the Saudi-Arabian expedition at Khuraybah and to the Saudi-Arabian-French expedition at Madain Saleh for their hospitality. We are indebted to the increasing number of visitors to Tayma and their interest in the research of the co-operative project.

Prince Sultan bin Salman, President of the General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, visited the excavation and the Museum of Tayma in 2008. The interest in the cooperative project shown by the Emir of Tabuk, Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz resulted in his visit in spring 2006. The understanding for the archaeological work from the Muhafadh of Tayma and the Head of the Municipality of Tayma is appreciated. The German Embassy at Riyadh and the consulate general at Jeddah provided assistance in administrative and logistical matters and public outreach. 

Contact

Prof. Dr. phil. Ricardo Eichmann

Vorderasiatische Archäologie
Telefon: +49-(0)30-187711-0
Telefax: +49-(0)30-187711-189
Email: orient@dainst.de

Dr. phil. Arnulf Hausleiter (DFG)

Vorderasiatische Archäologie
Telefon: 03018-7711-121
Telefax: 03018-7711-189
Email: orient@dainst.de
Further Email Addresses: arh@orient.dainst.de

Herr Dr. phil. Andrea Intilia (DFG)

Vorderasiatische Archäologie
Telefon: 03018-7711-202
Telefax: 03018-7711-189
Email: orient@dainst.de
Further Email Addresses: ai@orient.dainst.de

Further Contact Partners

General Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Section for Antiquities and Museums
P.O. Box 66680 Riyadh 11586 Saudi-Arabia
Phone: +966-1-8808855
Telefax: +966-1-8808844

Sponsors

The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn, (DFG) and supported by the Orient Department of the German Archaeological Institute. The Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography of Tayma offers logistic and technical support as does the Antiquities department at Tabuk.

The sub-project on hydrology and water management of the Unversity of Applied Sciences, Lübeck is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn, (DFG).

The sub-project on the city wall of the Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus (BTU) and the Architectural Department of the German Archaeological Institute has been funded by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung between 2006 and 2008 and is currently being supported by the German Archaeologicl Institute.

Scientific analysis of the pottery is supported by the Università degli Studi Padova.

The company Hansa Luftbild, Riyadh, offers logistical assistance and equipment.  

Bibliography

General information on Tayma

al-Ansary, A., Abu al-Hasan, H.
2002. Tayma. Crossroads of Civilizations. Riyadh.
Buhl, F., Bosworth, C.E.
1999: s.v. Tayma'. Encyclopedia of Islam (2nd edition), 430-431. Leiden.
Eichmann, R., Hausleiter, A., Götzelt, T.
2007: Once upon a time at the incense road. German research 2/2007, 4-9 (download English version).
Parr, P.J.
1997: s.v. Tayma'. In: E.M. Meyers ed., The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East 5. 160-161. New York/Oxford.

History and archaeology of the region

al-Ansary, A.R., Abu al-Hassan, H.
2004: Die alten Kulturen von al-'Ula und Mada'in Salih. Bedeutende Städte an der Weihrauchstraße, Bd. 1, Riyadh.
Euting, J.
1896-1914. Tagebuch einer Reise in Inner-Arabien. Leiden.
Jaussen, J.A., Savignac, R.
1909-22. Mission archéologique en Arabie. Paris (Reprint 1997).
Parr, P.J., Harding, G.L., Dayton, J.E.
1972: Preliminary survey in Northwest Arabia. BIA 10: 23-62.
Philby, H.St.J.
1957. The Land of Midian, London.
Winnett, F.V., Reed, W.L.
1970. Ancient Records from North Arabia. Toronto/Buffalo.

Reports on the archaeological survey in NW Arabia have been published in the journal ATLAL.

Specific studies

Bawden, G.
1981. Recent Radiocarbon Dates from Tayma. ATLAL 5: 149-153.
Bawden, G., Edens, C.
1989. History of Tayma' and Hejazi trade during the first millennium B.C. JESHO 32: 48-103.
Briquel-Chatonnet, F., Robin, C.
1997. Objets d'Arabie Nord-Ouest (autres objets d'Arabie), no. 199-204. In: Calvet, Y., Robin, C. eds., Arabie heureuse - arabie deserte. Les antiquités arabiques du Musée du Louvre. Paris: 260-264.
Farès-Drappeau, S.
2005. Dédan et Lihyan, Histoire des Arabes aux confins des pouvoirs perse et hellénistique (IV-II avant l'ère chrétienne), Lyon.
al-Ghazzi, A.
2000. Dating and ascertaining the origin of the painted al-Ula pottery. ATLAL 15: 179-190.
Hayajneh, H.
2001. First evidence of Nabonidus in the Ancient North Arabian inscriptions from the region of Tayma'. PSAS 31: 81-95.
Macdonald, M.A.
1997. Trade routes and trade goods at the northern end of the 'Incense Road' in the first millennium B.C. In: Avanzini, A. ed., Profumi d'Arabia. Atti del Convegno. Rom: 333-349.
Müller, W.W. und al-Said, S.
2002. Der babylonische König Nabonid in taymanitischen Inschriften. In: Nebes, N. ed., Neue Beiträge zur Semitistik. Wiesbaden: 105-121.
Parr, P.J.
1988. Pottery of the late second millennium B.C. from North West Arabia and its historical implications. In: Potts, D.T. ed., Araby the blest. Studies in Arabian archaeology. Copenhagen: 73-90.
Schaudig, H.
2001. Inschriften Nabonids von Babylon und Kyros' des Großen samt den in ihrem Umfeld entstandenen Tendenzschriften. Textausgabe und Grammatik. Münster (=AOAT 256).

Previous research at Tayma

Abu Duruk, H.I.
1986. Introduction to the Archaeology of Tayma. Riyadh.
Bawden, G., Edens, C., Miller, R.
1980. Preliminary archaeological investigations at Tayma. ATLAL 4: 69-106.
al-Najam, M.H.
2000. Irrigation system and ancient water resources in Tayma area. ATLAL 15: 191-200.
at-Taima'i, M.H. (al-Najem, M.H.)
2006. Mintaqa rujum sa's'a bi-Tayma. Riyadh.

Further preliminary reports have been published in the journal ATLAL.

Preliminary reports

Deputy Ministry of Antiquities and Museums
2007: Mashru' al-ba'tha al-athariyya al-sa'udiyya al-almaniyya al-mushtaraka li-l-tanqib 'an athar Tayma', Riyadh.
Eichmann, R.
2008: Tayma - Oasis and trade center on the frankincense caravan route. Adumatu 17, 17-26.
Remains of the pre-Islamic period (4th to 6th century BC) at Tayma. In: C. Robin, J. Schiettecatte eds., L'Arabie à la veille de l'Islam, Paris, 55-69.
Eichmann, R., Hausleiter, A., al-Najem, M., al-Said, S.
2006: Tayma - Spring 2004. ATLAL 19: 91-116 (Arabic version: 191-216).
In press: Tayma - Autumn 2004 and Spring 2005. ATLAL 20.
Eichmann, R., Schaudig, H., Hausleiter, A.
2006: Archaeology and Epigraphy at Tayma (Saudi-Arabia), Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy 17, 163-176.
al-Ghabban, A.
2008: L'influence de Babylone à Tayma et dans sa région à la lumière des découvertes archéologiques récentes. In: B. André-Salvini ed., Babylone. Paris: 231-232.
Hausleiter, A.
2006: Tayma, North-West Arabia. The context of archaeological research. Special Issue of Oriental Studies. Collection of papers on Ancient Civilizations of Western Asia, Asia Minor and North Africa, Peking, 160-182.
2008: Stèle néo-babylonienne de Tayma (Teiman). In: B. André-Salvini ed., Babylone. Paris: 187.
Fragment der Tayma-Stele Nabonids. In: J. Marzahn, G. Schauerte eds., Babylon. Wahrheit, Berlin, 273-274; 248, Fig. 170a-c.

Tayma in TV

"Flucht aus Babylon" as part of the series Schliemanns Erben (The heirs of Schliemann), broadcasted by the Second German Public Channel (ZDF) on 9 March 2008.

See Video