The Nabataeans
- Mohammad Alkhawaldeh
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Who Were the Nabataeans?
The Nabataeans were an ancient Arab people who emerged around the 6th century BCE and became famous for founding Petra, their capital, in what is now southern Jordan.
Language: They spoke a dialect of Arabic but used Aramaic script in writing.
Religion: Their religion was polytheistic, with deities like Dushara (chief god) and Al-‘Uzza.
Lifestyle: Initially nomadic pastoralists, they evolved into sophisticated urban traders.
Skill: Masters of hydraulic engineering, stone carving, and desert trade.
Origins of Petra
Petra, meaning “rock” in Greek, was settled by the Nabataeans by the 4th century BCE.
It flourished due to its location along major trade routes, especially those for incense, spices, and silk.
They built an incredible city carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, blending Arab, Greek, and Roman architecture.
How Did They Rise?
How Did the Nabataeans Rise to Power?
The rise of the Nabataeans is a fascinating story of survival, strategy, and smart trade. Here's how they transformed from desert nomads into one of the most powerful civilizations in the region:
From Nomads to Settlers (6th–4th century BCE)
The Nabataeans began as Arab nomads, moving through the deserts of the Levant and northwestern Arabia.
They gradually settled in southern Jordan, especially around Petra, a naturally protected area with access to water and trade routes.
They likely filled the power vacuum after the fall of the Edomites and other local powers.
Masters of Trade (4th–1st century BCE)
The Nabataeans controlled key caravan routes connecting:
Southern Arabia → Petra → Gaza (Mediterranean)
Persia → Damascus → Egypt
They traded in:
Frankincense & myrrh
Spices, silk, gold, textiles
Petra became a wealthy hub, taxing caravans and offering safe passage.
Engineering and Water Control
In the arid desert, they developed advanced water systems: dams, cisterns, canals, and reservoirs.
This allowed them to support a large population and even agriculture in the desert.
Political Independence & Diplomacy
The Nabataeans remained independent despite pressure from:
The Seleucid Empire
The Ptolemies of Egypt
They skillfully played larger empires against each other, maintaining autonomy while growing rich.
Kingdom Established (~168 BCE)
The first known Nabataean king was Aretas I.
Under kings like Aretas III and Aretas IV, the kingdom expanded into modern-day Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
Their capital, Petra, was filled with stunning temples, tombs, and monuments carved into rock.
What Happened to Them?
After centuries of prosperity, the Nabataean Kingdom came to an end — but not suddenly or violently.
Roman Annexation (106 CE)
In 106 CE, the Roman Empire—under Emperor Trajan—peacefully annexed the Nabataean Kingdom.
It became the province of Arabia Petraea.
The last Nabataean king, Rabbel II Soter, had died, possibly without a strong successor.
Petra continued as a regional Roman city, but it lost its independence.
Decline of Trade Routes
Petra had thrived because of its control of overland trade (spices, incense, silk).
But:
The Romans shifted trade routes to safer and faster maritime routes via the Red Sea.
Petra’s strategic importance faded.
Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
A major earthquake in 363 CE damaged much of Petra, especially its water system and buildings.
Rebuilding was limited.
Later quakes further weakened the city.
Rise of Islam and Changing Powers
By the 7th century, the Islamic Caliphates had risen in the region.
Petra was no longer a commercial or political center.
The city was gradually abandoned except for small Christian and Bedouin communities.
Forgotten by the World
For centuries, Petra was lost to the outside world, known only to local Bedouins.
In 1812, it was "rediscovered" by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
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