NABUNA'ID'S SOJOURN IN TAYMA: THE MOTIVES

Abstract

Nabuna'id (556-539 B.C.), the last New-Babylonian king, abandoned his capital Babylon for ten years (552-543 B.C.) in favor of the city of Tayma in Northwestern Arabia. Since he did not provide any explanation for this change of capital, scholars have been advancing several theories. It is the purpose of this paper to review previous contributions to the subject of the motives behind Nabuna'id's sojourn in Tayma. These motives include political, economical and religious ones. Finally, it is suggested that religious motives inspired Nabuna'id to leave his capital, especially because of the religious character of the king. However, the available evidence cannot explain his decision to reside in Tayma. The discussion will depend on the analysis of recent archaeological and epigraphical evidence from Tayma as well as literary sources from Mesopotamia. Other points relating to his early reign, his character, and the site of Tayma are essential for this episode.