The Nabatean Kingdom was a powerful political entity which flourished in the region of modern-day Jordan between the 4th century BCE and c. 106 CE and is best known today for the ruins of its capital city of Petra. Although it is clear that a wealthy community was thriving in the immediate vicinity of Petra by 312 BCE (attested to by the Greek expedition mounted against it), scholars usually date the Nabatean Kingdom from 168 BCE, the date of their first known king, to 106 CE when it was annexed by the Roman Empire under Trajan (98-117 CE).
More about: Kingdom of NabateaDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 600 BCE - c. 400 BCENabateans grow wealthy through trade along the Incense Routes.
-
c. 312 BCECity of Petra inhabited by Nabateans who repel attack by Greek army.
-
c. 168 BCE - 106 CEThe Kingdom of Nabatea flourishes in region of modern-day Jordan.
-
c. 168 BCEAretas I, first historical king of the Nabateans, expands the kingdom, supports the Maccabean Revolt.
-
c. 120 BCE - c. 96 BCEAretas II is king of the Nabateans. Conflict with Hasmonean Dynasty of Judea.
-
c. 96 BCE - c. 85 BCEObodas I rules in Nabatea, defeats Hasmonean king Alexander Janneus, and is deified by his people.
-
c. 85 BCERabbel I is king of the Nabateans briefly before dying in battle.
-
c. 85 BCE - c. 60 BCEAretas III reigns over Nabatean Kingdom; Nabatea forced to pay tribute to Rome.
-
c. 60 BCE - c. 59 BCEObodas II briefly reigns as king of the Nabateans.
-
c. 59 BCE - c. 30 BCEMalichus I is king of the Nabateans; becomes vassal of Herod the Great.
-
c. 30 BCE - c. 9 BCEObodas III reigns as king of the Nabateans.
-
c. 9 BCE - c. 40 CEAretas IV reigns as the greatest king of the Nabateans; culture and economy flourish.
-
c. 40 CE - c. 70 CEMalichus II reigns over Nabateans; territory is lost to Rome.
-
c. 70 CE - 106 CERabbel II Soter reigns as last king of the Nabateans.
-
106 CEThe Kingdom of Nabatea is annexed by Rome as the province of Arabia Petrea under the Emperor Trajan.
