Overview of the History of Nabataea

Introduction

• North Arabia: land of deserts, hills, and seas
• Crucial point for spice and incense trade
• 312 BCE: Antigonos I Monophthalmos sends Athenaeos to plunder Petra
• Nabataeans: strong and monopolized Silk Roads in northern Arabia, never conquered
• Petra: Capital city with carved temples and public buildings
• We will cover origins, Golden Age, and Roman period

Origins of the Nabataeans

• Homeland: Jordan and southern Palestine/Israel
• Diverse society
• Bronze and Iron Ages: Previously inhabited by Semitic groups like Kingdom of Edom
• Evidence and exact arrival time of Nabataeans unclear
• Mentioned by Herodotos and Behistun Inscription
• Known for worshipping Al-Ilat and Orotalt
• First referred to by name in 312 BCE: Nabataean Confrontations
• Controlled the bitumen industry
• Considered rich and sophisticated by 3rd century BCE
• Likely migration from south, but details unknown

Nabataean Kingdom

• Allied with Maccabees against Seleucid Empire in 167 BCE
• First named king: Aretas I
• Tumultuous relationship with Maccabees
• On-and-off skirmishing with Hasmonean dynasty of Judea
• Expansion and market construction in Petra
• Main source of wealth: incenses trade routes
• King Aretas III conquered Damaskos, sought vassals in Judaea and Palmyra
• Faced Roman intervention during siege of Jerusalem
• 62 BCE: Romans besieged Petra but accepted bribe to withdraw
• Invasion by Herod the Great backed by Kleopatra, stalemate
• Rome's growing influence post-Battle of Actium in 31 BCE

Roman Nabataea

• Last king: Rabbel II, reign lacks detail
• 106 CE: Annexed to Roman Empire by Emperor Trajan as Province of Arabia Petraea
• Peaceful annexation, shift away from monopoly on trade
• Roman-built forts for trade route control
• Increased Greek and Latin influence
• Loyalty rewarded by Emperor Septimius Severus with territorial expansion
• Continued integration with Eastern Roman Empire
• Christianity likely Miaphysite form took hold

Nabataean Society and Religion

• Both city-dwelling and nomadic
• Skilled traders and craftspeople
• Rich culture: sophisticated pottery and rock-cut architecture in Petra
• Women had considerable rights, influential in religious roles
• Gods: Dushara, Al-’Uzza, plus other pre-Islamic Arabian deities
• Sync with Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Syrian gods
• Worship in sanctuaries and temples, primarily in Petra

Late Antique Nabataea

• 3rd Century CE: Christianity replaces Aramaic with Greek
• Petra remains significant until 6th Century CE
• Ghassanids emerge as new Arabian force, replaced Nabataean influence
• Transition to sedentary lifestyle
• Part of Islamic Caliphate post-Islamic conquest
• Continuation of Nabataean legacy in architecture and culture despite decline

Conclusion

• Nabataean trade control and cultural ingenuity remain impactful
• Sites like Petra continue to inspire awe
• Legacy of turning harsh environments into a paradise
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