Nabataean

The Nabataeans were an ancient Arab people who inhabited northern Arabia and the southern Levant. They are best known for their flourishing civilization centered in the city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan. The Nabataeans rose to prominence as traders, controlling key overland routes that transported frankincense, myrrh, spices, and other valuable commodities from Arabia and India to the Mediterranean world. Their empire reached its peak between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE, stretching from Damascus in the north to Hegra (modern Mada'in Saleh) in the south.

The Nabataeans were skilled engineers and architects, evident in their impressive rock-cut facades and elaborate water management systems, which allowed them to thrive in the arid desert environment. Their culture was a blend of Arabian traditions with influences from Hellenistic, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. They developed their own script, which evolved into the Arabic alphabet. Their religious practices involved the worship of various deities, with Dushara and al-'Uzza being prominent.

In 106 CE, the Nabataean kingdom was annexed by the Roman Empire and became part of the Roman province of Arabia Petraea. While their political independence ended, their cultural influence persisted for some time. The Nabataean civilization eventually declined, with its cities gradually becoming less significant. Today, the ruins of Petra stand as a testament to their ingenuity and the grandeur of their lost kingdom.