Banqueting in a Northern Arabian Oasis: A Nabataean Triclinium at Dûmat al-Jandal, Saudi Arabia

A vast Nabataean triclinium, discovered at Dûmat al-Jandal in Saudi Arabia, reveals new insights into the ritual meals practiced by the Nabataeans. This open-air stone structure, dated between the late first century BCE and early second century CE, was found to be part of a broader Nabataean presence in northern Arabia, confirming their control over key trade routes during the turn of the Christian era. Multidisciplinary analysis of pottery, bone, and plant remains from the site provides evidence of feasting activities, offering a comparative perspective when examined alongside similar structures in Petra and Hegra.

Charloux, G., Bouchaud, C., Durand, C., Monchot, H., & Thomas, A. (2016). Banqueting in a Northern Arabian Oasis: A Nabataean Triclinium at Dûmat al-Jandal, Saudi Arabia. Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 375, 13–34. https://doi.org/10.5615/bullamerschoorie.375.0013