- German Archaeological Institute
Orient-Department
Podbielskiallee 69-71
14195 Berlin, Germany
Arnulf Hausleiter
German Archaeological Institute, Orient Department, Department Member
- DAI Orient Department, Berlin, Head of the Archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula Sectionedit
2022: Tayma 2012–13, 9th–10th Report on the Saudi Arabian–German Joint Archaeological Project, A. Hausleiter, R. Eichmann, M. al-Najem, S. al-Said, and M. Grottker, M. Haibt, A. Intilia, S. Lora, A. Prust, Ch. Purschwitz, F. Tourtet, M. Trognitz, P. Voß, K. Wellbrock, F. Weigel, ATLAL 32, 71-136more
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Divine representations at Taymā’ (A. Hausleiter 2012, in: I. Sachet éd. en collaboration avec Ch.J. Robin, Dieux et deesses de l’Arabie – Images et représentations. Actes de la table ronde au Collège de France (Paris), 1er - 2 octobre 2007, Collection Orient et Méditerranée, vol. 7, Paris, 299–338)more
ABSTRACT Saudi-German excavations at the oasis of Tayma revealed a 4th to 3rd century BC ce- metery near the Inner City Wall of the ancient settlement (Area O). At present, nearly 40 graves, plundered in the past, belonging to this... more
ABSTRACT
Saudi-German excavations at the oasis of Tayma revealed a 4th to 3rd century BC ce- metery near the Inner City Wall of the ancient settlement (Area O). At present, nearly 40 graves, plundered in the past, belonging to this burial ground are known. They were built according to the same scheme and are similar in shape and size, but have diffe- rent orientations. In each case, the grave pit was deepened into natural bedrock after the removal of all existing deposits, and covered with large stone blocks. So far, 23 of the known burials, either single or multiple graves, have been fully investigated. Ta- phonomic, paleobiological and paleopathological analyses conducted on the recove- red human remains revealed important details on the burial practices and on the biological characteristics of this population sample of ancient Tayma.
Saudi-German excavations at the oasis of Tayma revealed a 4th to 3rd century BC ce- metery near the Inner City Wall of the ancient settlement (Area O). At present, nearly 40 graves, plundered in the past, belonging to this burial ground are known. They were built according to the same scheme and are similar in shape and size, but have diffe- rent orientations. In each case, the grave pit was deepened into natural bedrock after the removal of all existing deposits, and covered with large stone blocks. So far, 23 of the known burials, either single or multiple graves, have been fully investigated. Ta- phonomic, paleobiological and paleopathological analyses conducted on the recove- red human remains revealed important details on the burial practices and on the biological characteristics of this population sample of ancient Tayma.
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Very little is known about early metallurgical activity in the north-western part of the Arabian Peninsula, despite the region's cultural importance. To begin to address this research lacuna, metallurgical remains including crucible... more
Very little is known about early metallurgical activity in the north-western part of the Arabian Peninsula, despite the region's cultural importance. To begin to address this research lacuna, metallurgical remains including crucible fragments, metal dross and a copper artefact were sampled from two oases in northwest Arabia, Qurayyah and Tayma. The metallurgical activity in Qurayyah is dated to the Late Bronze Age, and in Tayma to the Roman/Late Roman period. At both sites we identified evidence for copper alloying and refining. Small scale copper smelting might also have been practiced in Qurayyah. Arsenical copper was processed at both sites, but in Tayma tin bronze and leaded tin bronze dominated. The chemical analysis of metal prills in crucible linings showed that fresh copper and tin instead of scrap metal were employed in these processes. Lead isotope analysis indicates that at least some of the Tayma metal was imported. Access to raw materials from remote areas is consistent with the importance of Tayma in the trading network of northwest Arabia.
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The contribution presents the results of investigations on the burial ground of Tal’a, located some 2 km south of the ancient oasis of Tayma (Northwest Arabia). This cemetery, most probably to be dated to the mid-1 st millennium BC,... more
The contribution presents the results of investigations on the burial ground of Tal’a, located some 2 km south of the ancient oasis of
Tayma (Northwest Arabia). This cemetery, most probably to be dated to the mid-1 st millennium BC, consists of stone cists, most of
them rectangular, which can be attributed to two groups of collective burials (average MNI 5.3) of altogether 64 individuals.
Preliminary palaeo-pathological analysis identified the individuals as belonging to one group, characterised by a number of
epigenetical traits, certain degenerative diseases and occupational markers, probably caused by the environmental conditions in
antiquity. Characteristic patterns of the distribution of grave goods have been identified at a number of juvenile/infant burials.
Tayma (Northwest Arabia). This cemetery, most probably to be dated to the mid-1 st millennium BC, consists of stone cists, most of
them rectangular, which can be attributed to two groups of collective burials (average MNI 5.3) of altogether 64 individuals.
Preliminary palaeo-pathological analysis identified the individuals as belonging to one group, characterised by a number of
epigenetical traits, certain degenerative diseases and occupational markers, probably caused by the environmental conditions in
antiquity. Characteristic patterns of the distribution of grave goods have been identified at a number of juvenile/infant burials.
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In the city of Arbil a two-chambered vaulted tomb of baked bricks was excavated, which was occupied from the Neo- to post-Assyrian periods (ca. 8th–6th cent. BC). At least four individuals are attested, and their grave goods provide... more
In the city of Arbil a two-chambered vaulted tomb of baked bricks was excavated, which was occupied from the Neo- to post-Assyrian periods (ca. 8th–6th cent. BC). At least four individuals are attested, and their grave goods provide information on the burial rites performed in the grave.
Research Interests: Evolutionary Biology, Archaeology, Geology, Geochemistry, Paleontology, and 22 moreAnthropology, Human Evolution, Climate Change, Geoarchaeology, Archaeological Science, Saudi Arabia, China, OSL dating, Upper Paleolithic, Quaternary geochronology, Humans, Quartz, Fossils, Radiocarbon Dating, Animals, Radiometric Dating, Particle Size, Hominidae, Layer, Coarse Grained Soil, Geologic Sediments, and Bone and Bones
In the second season of systematic investigations in the cemeteries of Rujum Sa‘sa‘ south of the Tayma Oasis, interdisciplinary research by archaeologists and bioarchaeologists on built tombs of the Early to Middle Bronze Age (3rd and 2nd... more
In the second season of systematic investigations in the cemeteries of Rujum Sa‘sa‘ south of the Tayma Oasis, interdisciplinary research by archaeologists and bioarchaeologists on built tombs of the Early to Middle Bronze Age (3rd and 2nd millennia BC) continued. In addition to the seven graves excavated in the previous season, 11 circular graves were investigated for the first time and bioarchaeological analysis of the human bone material continued. One of the most important results is that the circular graves show a greater architectural diversity than previously expected, indicating a pronounced social differentiation. For the first time, a structure known as a ›pendant‹ or ›keyhole‹ was excavated in Tayma amidst the circular graves.
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Die Oase von Al-Ula war in der Antike ein politisch, kulturell und wirtschaftlich bedeutendes Zentrum Nordwestarabiens und Sitz der im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. bekannten regionalen Hauptstadt Dadan. Multidisziplinäre Untersuchungen im... more
Die Oase von Al-Ula war in der Antike ein politisch, kulturell und wirtschaftlich bedeutendes Zentrum Nordwestarabiens und Sitz der im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. bekannten regionalen Hauptstadt Dadan. Multidisziplinäre Untersuchungen im Rahmen eines internationalen Forschungsprojektes lieferten erste Informationen zur bislang wenig bekannten Siedlungsgeschichte während der Bronzezeit (3.–2. Jt. v. Chr.), die durch mehrere Standorte innerhalb der Oase gekennzeichnet ist, darunter der Fundort Tell Saq. Dort gefundene Getreidereste, die anhand von 14C-Messungen in das 3. Jahrtausend v. Chr. datieren, weisen zusammen mit wenigen weiteren Kulturpflanzen auf lokalen Anbau. Daneben sind typische Vertreter der natürlichen Oasen- und (Halb-)Wüstenvegetation belegt.
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First systematic investigations in the cemeteries of Rujum Sa'sa' south of the Tayma oasis focused on the interdisciplinary excavation and analysis of Bronze Age (3rd and 2nd millennia BCE) built tombs. More than two thousands of such... more
First systematic investigations in the cemeteries of Rujum Sa'sa' south of the Tayma oasis focused on the interdisciplinary excavation and analysis of Bronze Age (3rd and 2nd millennia BCE) built tombs. More than two thousands of such tombs have survived as mounds on the surface, forming an extensive burial landscape. Most of them have a circular shape, and at least two types of different chambers are attested. Rectangular graves, meanwhile, are less common. During the first season of the project (2020), excavations were conducted in six graves. 14C data from human remains from these graves cover the late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. The excavations and analysis of the collapse indicate that the tombs were not designed as ›tumuli‹ but were constructed with visible facades.
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The LMU involvement at Assur was restricted to two field seasons in 1989 and 1990. Conceived as the crowning achievement of Barthel Hrouda's career as an excavator, political circumstances prevented his ambitious design of urban... more
The LMU involvement at Assur was restricted to two field seasons in 1989 and 1990. Conceived as the crowning achievement of Barthel Hrouda's career as an excavator, political circumstances prevented his ambitious design of urban archaeology from being realised. Nonetheless, the topographic and geophysical work, as well as the soundings in Neo- to Middle Assyrian domestic contexts, laid the basis for much work carried out since, both guiding further exploration in the field and in stimulating studies on the pottery and burial customs of the site.
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Excavations carried out by the German Archaeological Institute and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (now Heritage Commission at the Ministry of Culture) at the oasis of Tayma since 2004 evidenced pottery production... more
Excavations carried out by the German Archaeological Institute and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (now Heritage Commission at the Ministry of Culture) at the oasis of Tayma since 2004 evidenced pottery production at the site from the late 4th/early 3rd millennium BCE onwards. The paper presents, for the first time, the chronostratigraphic pottery sequence at Tayma based on the latest excavation results. Comparative evidence of the ceramic material suggests that the relations between north-western Arabia and the Levant were closer than with any other adjacent region. On the other hand, results of archaeometric analyses of Middle to Late Bronze Age ceramics from both Tayma and Qurayyah indicate a technological autonomy of individual oases in pottery production already during the late 2nd millennium BCE. Existence of the oasis’s long-distance contact during subsequent periods is evidenced by imports, e.g. Attic pottery and Nabataean Fine Ware from Petra.
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Conservation treatment of significant architectural remains in the ancient settlement of Tayma was completed in 2018, based on the preservation concept developed by conservators and archaeologists. Locally available materials have been... more
Conservation treatment of significant architectural remains in the ancient settlement of Tayma was completed in 2018, based on the preservation concept developed by conservators and archaeologists. Locally available materials have been used for preparing a specific conservation mortar which was applied for the consolidation of walls, whereas installations were treated according to standard procedures. Additionally, backfilling of fully recorded excavation trenches was brought to an end. The next step will consist of developing an integrated concept for the presentation and communication of the site and its architecture for visitors.
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The spatial organization of the oasis of Taymāʾ is characterized by its wall system, the construction of which began in the Early Bronze Age. While the maximum extent of the walled oasis may have been reached in the late 2nd millennium... more
The spatial organization of the oasis of Taymāʾ is characterized by its wall system, the construction of which began in the Early Bronze Age. While the maximum extent of the walled oasis may have been reached in the late 2nd millennium BCE, its dimension may have been reduced by the 4th/3rd century BCE, at the latest. In analysing the remains of the Inner Wall, the chronology and context of its construction are discussed in this contribution.
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Although “Arabia” was on the periphery of the Persian realm, it had strategic importance as it was located just east of the troublesome Egyptian satrapy. The Qedarite kingdom controlled the northern Sinai, southern Palestine (as far north... more
Although “Arabia” was on the periphery of the Persian realm, it had strategic importance as it was located just east of the troublesome Egyptian satrapy. The Qedarite kingdom controlled the northern Sinai, southern Palestine (as far north as Idumea), and northwest Arabia, and evidently had intimate and close connections with Persian administration. In Persian documentary sources it appears that “Maka” designates Oman in southeast Arabia, indicating that “Arbāya” can refer to other populations within the Arabian peninsula. Contrary to the written exogenous sources, the autochthonous evidence from within northwest Arabia with regard to Achaemenid rule is less clear. Taking together the archaeological and epigraphic sources from the oasis of Taymāʼ, a major hub of the Arabian trading networks, Achaemenid influence may have been of short-term character, if at all direct. Most of the Achaemenid period is dominated by evidence highlighting the role of the dynasty of Lihyan at both Dadan and Taymāʼ
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The present contribution discusses the use of the dromedary at the oasis of Taymāʾ as essential element of livestock economy in light of recent discoveries of faunal remains recovered by archaeological excavations and pertaining to... more
The present contribution discusses the use of the dromedary at the oasis of Taymāʾ as essential element of livestock economy in light of recent discoveries of faunal remains recovered by archaeological excavations and pertaining to archaeozoological analysis. For this diachronic study, faunal remains from securely dated contexts have been systematically investigated. At a trading post like Taymāʾ, it is of eminent interest to understand to which extent the faunal records reflect the use of the camel either as a pack animal of the caravan trade or as a provider of meat for the diet of the local population, if not even both.
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Report on the 2011 season of excavations at Tayma
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Bronze weapons from the cemetery of al-Nasim in the oasis of Tayma, can be paralleled with late 3rd / early 2nd millennium BCE specimens from so-called warrior graves in the Levant. Long-lasting cultural and technological transfer have... more
Bronze weapons from the cemetery of al-Nasim in the oasis of Tayma, can be paralleled with late 3rd / early 2nd millennium BCE specimens from so-called warrior graves in the Levant. Long-lasting cultural and technological transfer have played a decisive role for the wide distribution of related social practices.
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Report on the 2010 season of excavations at Tayma, Saudi Arabia
A significant quantity of mainly monumental statues has been found in the northwestern Arabian oases of Dadan (al-Khuraybah) and Taymāʾ. They have been associated with the dynasty of Liḥyān, which ruled at Dadan from about the mid-1st... more
A significant quantity of mainly monumental statues has been found in the northwestern Arabian oases of Dadan (al-Khuraybah) and Taymāʾ. They have been associated with the dynasty of Liḥyān, which ruled at Dadan from about the mid-1st millennium BCE for several centuries. The present contribution discusses the archaeological contexts as well as the significance of the statues, some of which according to preserved inscriptions on bases may represent dignitaries of the royal Liḥyānite court if not kings. Placed in or near temples, the statues were dedicated to the king. Part of the expression of the local elites this genuine northwest Arabian sculpture as part of an iconographic cultural pluralism unites aspects of Egyptian and Eastern Mediterranean styles.
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In the framework of the conservation and restoration concept for the archaeological site of Tayma, work focused on the implementation of conservation measures on remains of a temple building which has been selected for future presentation... more
In the framework of the conservation and restoration concept for the archaeological site of Tayma, work focused on the implementation of conservation measures on remains of a temple building which has been selected for future presentation within the tourist development of the site. Regular monitoring provided useful information for the planning of future restoration work. Backfilling operations, aimed at ensuring a long-term protection, continued in trenches with a completed archaeological documentation. A booklet and a documentary video on the protection of the architectural remains at Tayma were published. In 2017 a first public on-site event took place, constituting a model case for the post-excavation use of the site.
Pottery analysis in the framework of the Saudi-German project at the oasis of Tayma (Northwest Arabia) resulted in the reconstruction of a more than 3000 year long history of production technology and usage. Whereas the beginning of... more
Pottery analysis in the framework of the Saudi-German project at the oasis of Tayma (Northwest Arabia) resulted in the reconstruction of a more than 3000 year long history of production technology and usage. Whereas the beginning of ceramic production at Tayma has been dated to the late 4th / early 3rd millennium BC, it is 3rd to 4th century AD contexts marking the end of this sequence. Stylistic and archaeometric analyses of the material demonstrated that besides strong local and regional characteristics, the pottery from Tayma mirrors the socio-economic and cultural connectedness of the oasis, in particular to the Southern Levant, but also to the larger Eastern Mediterranean, as evidenced by the presence of numerous non-local productions.
Throughout the excavations at the oasis of Tayma, incense burners were discovered showing both traces of burning and residues of burnt aromatics. The multidisciplinary study of these objects aimed at reconstructing the scented world and... more
Throughout the excavations at the oasis of Tayma, incense burners were discovered showing both traces of burning and residues of burnt aromatics. The multidisciplinary study of these objects aimed at reconstructing the scented world and olfactory landscape of the ancient oasis. By means of LC-ESI-MS/MS techniques, the characteristic profile of secondary metabolites of resins of Boswellia, Commiphora and Pistacia spp. were detected. The results demonstrate the use of different resins in either public, funerary or domestic contexts over more than two millennia (Late Bronze to Late Antiquity). The people of Tayma purchased goods for their own use, which implies that the oasis was not just a transit point on the “Incense Road”, but an active customer.
Report on the 2009 season of excavations at Tayma, Saudi Arabia
Report on the 2008 season of excavations at Tayma, Saudi Arabia
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2023: A. Hausleiter (ed.), Material Worlds: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Contacts and Exchange in the Ancient Near East. Proceedings of the Workshop held at Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW), New York University, 7th March 2016 (Oxford: Archaeopress), Open Access Publicationmore
With contributions by G. Barjamovic, C. J. Bergoffen, L. D'Alfonso, N. A. Highcock, R. W. Homsher, A. M. W. Hunt, M. Luciani, M. G. Masetti-Rouault, B. Pongratz-Leisten, Lisa Saladino Haney, Jonathan Valk
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This is a catalogue of all the inscriptions discovered during the Saudi-German excavations at Taymāʾ from 2004 to 2015 with indexes including material from all known inscriptions from the oasis.
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The present volume is the first of the publication series of the Saudi-German archaeological project.