THE NABATEANS

The origins of the Nabateans are unclear. Legend has it that their lineage started with Shem, one of Noah's son's & from their loins the later Bedouin tribes emerged. Their first recorded appearance dates from the 4th century B.C.E. They practised a polytheistic pagan religion, worshiping their mountain god Dushara & principle goddess Allat. Initially fully nomadic, they developed a strong connection to, & deep understanding of their desert enviroment. This knowledge enabled them to control the 2400 kilometer spice route which started in southern Arabia, continued to their capitol Petra (located in present day Jordan) & ended at the sea port of Gaza. The spice route housed 65 stations along its length, the last 6 of which are located in present day Israel. These include Avdat, Shivta, Halutza, Mamshit, Rehovot & Nitzana. Additional archaeological evidence includes two kahns (overnight resting lodges) namely Moa & Saharonim as well as the fortresses of Katzra, Nekarot, Mahmal & Grafon. Because the only alternative trade route was via the Red Sea which was difficult to navigate due to severe storms,the Nabateans held the monopoly over the spice route. This situation resulted in an increase in wealth & power which peaked between the 1st century B.C.E, to the 1st century C.E. This new prosperity resulted in them adopting a more settled & less nomadic lifestyle.

They traded in spices, perfumes, herbs, wood, gems, silks, metals & medicines. Asphalt which they obtained from the Dead Sea & sold to the Egyptians who used the product for mumification, glue, coffin & boat sealing. The Dead Sea also provided salt, the main food preservative of the period which was sold in abundance. The Nabateans became experts in the field of water conservation. They built Limans (small earthern catchment area's) which they located at strategic points in low lying area's thereby harvesting runoff surface water. They developed damming systems, cultivated vinyards, bred horses & became reknown stone cutters. In order to lighten their load when transporting liquified merchandise such as olive oil & wine they developed a technique to create egg shell pottery, the walls of which were much thinner than conventional pottery & hence much lighter & easier to transport.

Circumstances started to change for the Nabateans during the Hasmonean period (167-63 B.C.E.) when the Jew's revolted againts Hellinization - the predominant culture of the period. From a Jewish perspective the outcome of the clash was succesfull enabling them to cleanse & rededicate the Temple, therby giving birth to the holiday of Hannuka. Alexander Yanai, one of the Hasmonean leaders captured Gaza, forcing the Nabateans to find an alternative port. Their own internal conflicts & arrival of the Romans in 63 B.C.E, resulted in the subjugation of Judea (not Palestine) to Roman rule, & was not to their benefit. To make matters worse, the Romans discovered an alternative trade route. All factors combined led to the demise of the Nabateans. They resurged briefly in the 4th century C.E. due to the rise in Christianity but dissappeared off the scene by the 5th century.

Ron Traub - Tour Guide & Architect. Website : rontraub-tours.com Photo's : Rimonah Traub.