Cultures > Nabataean Kingdom

Nabataean Kingdom

Background

The Nabataean Kingdom was a kingdom located in the southern Levant, specifically in the region of modern-day Jordan, southern Israel, and parts of Saudi Arabia. It emerged as a prominent political entity during the Hellenistic period. The Nabataean Kingdom was situated in the rugged desert terrain of the southern Levant, with its capital city at Petra, which later became famous for its elaborate rock-cut architecture. The Nabateans were originally a nomadic tribe that inhabited the region, known for their skill in trading and navigating the desert. The Hellenistic period, which began after the conquests of Alexander the Great, saw the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the eastern Mediterranean and beyond. While Nabatea was not directly under Alexander's control, it came into contact with Hellenistic culture through trade and interaction with neighboring regions that were part of Alexander's empire or influenced by Greek culture.

Conflicts with Antigonid

Origins and Early Conflicts with the Nabataeans

After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, his empire split among his generals. During the conflict between Alexander's generals, Antigonus I conquered the Levant, bringing him to the borders of Edom, just north of Petra. According to Diodorus Siculus, Antigonus sought to add "the land of the Arabs who are called Nabataeans" to his existing territories of Syria and Phoenicia. The Nabataeans were distinguished from other Arab tribes by their wealth. They generated revenues from the trade caravans that transported frankincense, myrrh, and other spices from Eudaemon (in today's Yemen), across the Arabian Peninsula, passing through Petra, and ending up in the Port of Gaza for shipment to European markets.

First Antigonid Attack on the Nabataeans

Antigonus ordered one of his officers, Athenaeus, to raid the Nabataeans with 4,000 infantry and 600 cavalry to loot herds and processions. Athenaeus learned that every year, the Nabataeans gathered for a festival, during which women, children, and elders were left at "a certain rock" (later interpreted by some as the future city of "Petra," meaning "rock" in Greek). The Antigonids attacked "the rock" in 312 BC while the Nabataeans were away trading. The inhabitants were taken by surprise, and tons of spices and silver were looted. The Antigonids departed before nightfall and made camp to rest 200 stadion away, where they thought they would be safe from a Nabataean counter-attack. The camp was attacked by 8,000 pursuing Nabataean soldiers, resulting in the slaughter of all 4,000 foot soldiers, with about fifty of the 600 horsemen escaping, most of whom were wounded. Athenaeus himself was killed. The Antigonids had deployed no scouts, a failure that Diodorus ascribes to Athenaeus's lack of anticipation of the rapid Nabataean response. After the Nabataeans returned to their rock, they wrote a letter to Antigonus accusing Athenaeus and declaring that they had destroyed the Antigonid army in self-defense. Antigonus replied by blaming Athenaeus for acting unilaterally, intending to lull the Nabataeans into a false sense of security. The Nabataeans, though pleased with Antigonus's response, remained suspicious and established outposts on the edge of the mountains in preparation for future Antigonid attacks.

Second Antigonid Attack and Demetrius' Campaign

The Antigonids' second attack involved an army of 4,000 infantry and 4,000 cavalry led by Antigonus's son, Demetrius "the Besieger." Nabataean scouts spotted the approaching enemy and used smoke signals to warn of the approaching Antigonid army. The Nabataeans dispersed their herds and possessions to guarded locations in harsh terrain, such as deserts and mountaintops, which would be difficult for the Antigonids to attack, and garrisoned "the rock" to defend what remained. The Antigonids attacked "the rock" through its "single artificial approach," but the Nabataeans managed to repulse the invading force. A Nabataean called out to Demetrius, pointing out that Antigonid aggression made no sense, as the land was semi-barren and the Nabataeans had no desire to be their slaves. Realizing his limited supplies and the determination of the Nabataean fighters, Demetrius eventually was forced to accept peace and withdraw with hostages and gifts. Demetrius drew Antigonus's displeasure for the peace, but this was ameliorated by Demetrius's reports of bitumen deposits in the Dead Sea, a valuable commodity essential for the embalming process.

Hieronymus' Expedition and the Arab Resistance

Antigonus sent an expedition, this time under Hieronymus of Cardia, to extract bitumen from the Dead Sea. A force of 6,000 Arabs sailing on reed rafts approached Hieronymus's troops and killed them with arrows. These Arabs were almost certainly Nabataeans. Antigonus thus lost all hope of generating revenue in that manner. The event is described as the first conflict caused by a Middle Eastern petroleum product.

Expansion and Piracy in the Red Sea

The series of wars among the Greek generals ended in a dispute over the lands of modern-day Jordan between the Ptolemies based in Egypt and the Seleucids based in Syria. The conflict enabled the Nabataeans to extend their kingdom beyond Edom. Diodorus mentions that the Nabataeans had attacked merchant ships belonging to the Ptolemies in Egypt at an unspecified date but were soon targeted by a larger force and "punished as they deserved." While it is unknown why the wealthy Nabataeans turned to piracy, one possible reason is that they felt that their trade interests were threatened by the gradual understanding of the nature of monsoon in the Red Sea from the third century BC onward (see Periplus of the Erythraean Sea).

Nabataean Kings

Here's a comprehensive table of the Nabatean Kings, including their years of reign, consorts (where known), successors, predecessors, and contributions:

Reign Years	Name	Consorts	Successor	Predecessor	Contribution
c. 169 BC	Aretas I	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	First known king of Nabataea, established the early Nabatean Kingdom.
120/110 to 96 BC	Aretas II	Unknown	Obodas I	Rabbel I (?)	Expanded the kingdom, increased trade routes, and secured the kingdom's borders.
c. 96 to 85 BC	Obodas I	Unknown	Rabbel I	Aretas II	Defeated the Hasmoneans and expanded Nabataean influence in the region.
c. 85/84 BC	Rabbel I	Unknown	Aretas III	Obodas I	Brief reign, limited information available.
84 to 60/59 BC	Aretas III Philhellen	Unknown	Obodas II (?)	Rabbel I	Known for Hellenistic influences, recognized by Rome in 62 BC.
62/61 to 60/59 BC	Obodas II (?)	Unknown	Malichus I	Aretas III	Existence uncertain until recently, probably ruled a few months.
59 to 30 BC	Malichus I	Unknown	Obodas III	Obodas II (?)	Consolidated Nabataean control, strengthened economic and military power.
30 to 9 BC	Obodas III	Unknown	Aretas IV	Malichus I	Promoted agriculture and construction, stabilized the kingdom's economy.
9/8 BC to 39/40 AD	Aretas IV Philopatris	Huldo, Šagīlat	Malichus II	Obodas III	Long and prosperous reign, expanded trade routes, significant construction projects.
39/40 to 69/70 AD	Malichus II	Šagīlat II	Rabbel II	Aretas IV	Continued expansion and consolidation, faced Roman pressures.
70/71 to 106 AD	Rabbel II Soter	Gāmilat, Hagaru	Annexed by Rome	Malichus II	Last Nabatean king, faced annexation by the Roman Empire in 106 AD, marked end of the kingdom.

Contributions of Notable Kings:

Aretas I: Established the early foundations of the Nabatean Kingdom.
Aretas II: Expanded the kingdom and secured its borders, enhancing trade routes.
Obodas I: Known for military victories, particularly against the Hasmoneans.
Aretas III Philhellen: Integrated Hellenistic culture and secured recognition from Rome.
Malichus I: Strengthened the kingdom's economic and military power.
Obodas III: Promoted agriculture and construction projects, stabilizing the economy.
Aretas IV Philopatris: Oversaw a period of prosperity, expanded trade, and initiated significant construction projects.
Rabbel II Soter: Last king of the Nabatean Kingdom, faced annexation by the Roman Empire.

List of Settlements

Here is a table of some known Nabataean settlements with their respective latitude, longitude, estimated year founded, and population (where available):

Settlement	Latitude	Longitude	Year Founded	Population
Petra	30.3285	35.4444	~400 BC	20,000-30,000
Hegra (Madain Saleh)	26.7964	37.9533	~3rd century BC	1,000-2,000
Avdat	30.7920	34.7800	~3rd century BC	1,500
Bosra	32.5167	36.4833	~2nd century BC	80,000 (peak)
Gadara	32.6631	35.6817	~4th century BC	20,000
Rabba (Areopolis)	31.2167	35.7500	~1st century BC	Unknown
Sobata (Shivta)	30.8856	34.6281	~1st century BC	2,000
Al-Ula	26.6741	37.9263	~6th century BC	3,000-5,000
Dumatha

Notes:

Population numbers are rough estimates based on archaeological findings and historical records.
The year founded is approximate and based on available historical and archaeological evidence.
Some settlements have unknown population data due to limited archaeological evidence.

List of Structures

Certainly! Here are a few more notable structures from the Nabatean Kingdom that can be added to the table:

1. Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium

Latitude: 30.3240
Longitude: 35.4560
Builder: Nabataeans
Year Built: 1st century BCE
Description: The Obelisk Tomb features four pyramidal obelisks, symbolizing the souls of the deceased. Below it is the Bab as-Siq Triclinium, used for ceremonial banquets in honor of the dead.

2. The Colonnaded Street

Latitude: 30.3245
Longitude: 35.4500
Builder: Nabataeans
Year Built: 2nd century CE
Description: A major thoroughfare in Petra, lined with columns and flanked by important buildings, reflecting the city's urban development during the Roman annexation.

3. The Nymphaeum

Latitude: 30.3246
Longitude: 35.4521
Builder: Nabataeans
Year Built: 1st century CE
Description: A public fountain and a social gathering place, showcasing the Nabataeans' advanced water management and urban planning skills.

4. The Tomb of Uneishu

Latitude: 30.3238
Longitude: 35.4470
Builder: Nabataeans
Year Built: 1st century CE
Description: A well-preserved tomb believed to be for the brother of one of the last Nabataean kings, featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions.

5. Qasr al-Bint

Latitude: 30.3232
Longitude: 35.4467
Builder: Nabataeans
Year Built: 30 BCE - 50 CE
Description: One of the most significant religious buildings in Petra, believed to be dedicated to Dushara, the chief god of the Nabataeans.

Adding these structures to the table will provide a more comprehensive overview of the architectural achievements of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Updated Table

Structure	Latitude	Longitude	Builder	Year Built	Description
Petra	30.3285	35.4444	Nabataeans	4th century BCE	Capital city of the Nabatean Kingdom, known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system.
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)	30.3220	35.4515	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Iconic rock-cut tomb and temple, known for its elaborate facade.
Ad Deir (The Monastery)	30.3318	35.4330	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Large rock-cut monastery, known for its impressive facade and size.
Qasr al-Bint	30.3227	35.4442	Nabataeans	30 BCE - 50 CE	Temple dedicated to the Nabatean gods, one of the most significant religious buildings in Petra.
The Great Temple	30.3244	35.4475	Nabataeans	1st century BCE	Large complex with a grand staircase, colonnades, and a temple.
The Siq	30.3244	35.4458	Nabataeans	4th century BCE	Narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra.
Little Petra	30.3623	35.4420	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Smaller site north of Petra, known for its rock-cut buildings and frescoes.
Al-Hijr (Madain Salih)	26.7965	37.9529	Nabataeans	1st century BCE - 1st century CE	Archaeological site featuring rock-cut tombs and monuments, similar to Petra.
The Royal Tombs	30.3241	35.4478	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Series of elaborate rock-cut tombs belonging to Nabatean royalty.
The Roman Theater	30.3226	35.4486	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Ancient theater carved into the rock, capable of seating thousands.
Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium	30.3240	35.4560	Nabataeans	1st century BCE	Features four pyramidal obelisks and a ceremonial banquet hall.
The Colonnaded Street	30.3245	35.4500	Nabataeans	2nd century CE	Major thoroughfare lined with columns and important buildings.
The Nymphaeum	30.3246	35.4521	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Public fountain and social gathering place, showcasing advanced water management.
The Tomb of Uneishu	30.3238	35.4470	Nabataeans	1st century CE	Well-preserved tomb with intricate carvings and inscriptions.