Fall of Civilizations Podcast - Episode 15: The Nabataeans - The Final Days Of Petra

Host: Paul Cooper
Release Date: June 15, 2022

Introduction

In Episode 15 of the "Fall of Civilizations" podcast, host Paul Cooper delves into the fascinating history of the Nabateans, an ancient trading empire renowned for their ingenious water management and the majestic city of Petra. This episode explores the rise and fall of the Nabatean civilization, their interactions with neighboring powers, and the ultimate decline of Petra through a combination of natural disasters and shifting economic landscapes.

Discovery of Petra: Johann Ludwig Burckhardt’s Expedition (00:07 - 07:15)

Paul Cooper opens the episode by recounting the adventures of Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer who, disguised as a Muslim named Sheikh Ibrahim IBN Abdullah, made his way into the Arabian desert in 1812. Burckhardt's quest led him to the hidden valley of Wadi Musa, where he stumbled upon the magnificent ruins of Petra.

Notable Quote:

[06:28] Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: "It is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity existing in Syria. Its state of preservation resembles that of a building recently finished..."

Burckhardt's discovery marked the first modern European encounter with Petra, revealing the grandeur of the Nabatean civilization that had thrived in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Origins and Rise of the Nabatean Empire (15:21 - 22:05)

The Nabateans likely emerged in the late 8th to 7th centuries BC as nomadic tribes in the Arabian deserts. Initially seen as pirates and bandits, they swiftly transitioned to controlling and protecting lucrative trade caravans transporting spices, incense, and other valuable goods across the desert.

Notable Quotes:

[17:30] Various Historical Figures: "Nabatea is a country with a large population and well supplied with pasturage..."

[18:01] Paul Cooper: "By the end of the first millennium BC, the Nabateans had pushed out their rivals and now dominated the business of transporting goods across the deserts of Arabia."

Their strategic control of trade routes not only brought immense wealth but also allowed them to establish Petra as the crossroads of the ancient world.

Trade and Wealth: Control of Incense and Commerce (22:05 - 34:46)

The Nabateans capitalized on the lucrative trade of frankincense and myrrh, resins highly valued for their use in medicine, religious ceremonies, and as luxury commodities. They developed sophisticated water management systems to support their growing city of Petra, enabling it to house up to 20,000 residents and accommodate large trading caravans.

Notable Quotes:

[24:32] Various Historical Figures: "They said that on the coasting voyage they landed to look for water on the mountains and saw these trees and the manner of collecting their gums..."

[26:10] Paul Cooper: "The cultivation of these trees was veiled in secrecy, and this secrecy gave rise to outlandish myths."

The Nabateans' mastery of water control and their ability to adapt to the arid environment were crucial in maintaining their economic dominance.

Conflict with Antigonus: Defense and Strategy (48:18 - 59:02)

A significant episode in Nabatean history involves their conflict with Antigonus Monophthalmos, a successor of Alexander the Great. In 312 BC, Antigonus dispatched his general Athenaeus to plunder Petra. The Nabateans responded swiftly, using their superior knowledge of the desert to ambush and annihilate Athenaeus' forces.

Notable Quotes:

[52:10] Paul Cooper: "Under cover of darkness, the enraged Nabateans swept into the Greek camp and slaughtered everyone they could find."

[56:40] Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: "...we, since we are in no way willing to be slaves, have all taken refuge in a land that lacks all the things that are valued among other peoples..."

Antigonus' subsequent attempt to subdue Petra with a larger force also failed, showcasing the Nabateans' formidable defensive strategies and their commitment to preserving their independence.

Petra’s Golden Age: Architecture and Society (34:46 - 78:24)

Petra flourished as a hub of trade and culture, renowned for its stunning sandstone architecture. The construction of the Khazneh (Great Treasury) epitomizes the Nabateans' architectural prowess, blending Greek and indigenous styles to create monumental structures that have captivated visitors for centuries.

Notable Quotes:

[73:24] Various Historical Figures: "Take seven and a half pounds of good quality same flour and sift it in a big wooden bowl..."
(Context: Description of Nabatean bread, showcasing daily life)

[76:22] Paul Cooper: "Nabatean religion revolved mostly around the worship of a God named Dushara..."

Petra was not just a city of commerce but also a center of culture, religion, and social life, complete with gardens, temples, and public spaces where the Nabateans gathered for festivals and ceremonies.

Roman Interaction and Annexation (87:40 - 100:51)

As the Roman Empire expanded, the Nabateans found themselves facing a powerful new adversary. Rome's demand for direct control over the incense trade led to attempts to subjugate the Nabateans. The expedition of Aelius Gallus in 26 BC, intended to establish Roman dominance, was thwarted by Nabatean sabotage led by the cunning administrator Sylleus.

Notable Quotes:

[90:45] Various Historical Figures: "Gallus set out on the expedition, but he was deceived by the Nabatean administrator Sylleus..."

[96:34] Paul Cooper: "This sparse report is wedged in between colourful Accounts of Trajan's campaigns..."

Eventually, in 106 AD, Emperor Trajan ordered the conquest of Nabatea, leading to the incorporation of Petra into the Roman Empire as Arabia Petraea. Despite initial attempts to maintain their sophisticated water systems, Petra's significance began to decline as Roman direct trade routes bypassed the city.

Decline and Natural Disasters (100:51 - 116:17)

Petra's decline was accelerated by natural disasters, most notably the devastating Galilee earthquake in 363 AD. This catastrophic event severely damaged Petra's infrastructure, particularly its intricate water management systems, leading to widespread flooding and the eventual abandonment of the city.

Notable Quotes:

[107:03] Paul Cooper: "Cyril goes on to list the settlements most damaged by the tremors and notes that more than half of the city of Petra was destroyed."

[115:04] Various Historical Figures: "And Salih turned from them and said, O my people, I delivered my Lord's message unto you..."
(Context: Islamic interpretation of Petra's ruins as divine punishment)

Subsequent earthquakes in the early 5th century further devastated Petra, making reconstruction impossible and leading to the city's irreversible decline.

Legacy and Archaeological Insights (116:17 - End)

Despite its fall, Petra remains a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Nabateans. Archaeological discoveries, including tomb inscriptions and architectural marvels, provide glimpses into their sophisticated society. The lack of Nabatean-written histories means much of their story is pieced together from external sources, leaving gaps filled by archaeological evidence and later historical accounts.

Notable Quotes:

[82:06] Paul Cooper: "These tomb inscriptions often contain warnings of curses from the gods that would land upon any tomb robbers..."

[119:24] Paul Cooper: "It's like seeing a tattoo fade on someone's skin, the traces remaining but the person gone."
(Context: Reflecting on the transient nature of civilizations like the Nabateans)

The ruins of Petra continue to inspire awe and scholarly interest, serving as a poignant reminder of the rise and fall of great civilizations and the enduring legacy of human achievement.

Conclusion

Episode 15 of the "Fall of Civilizations" podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the Nabatean empire, highlighting their strategic prowess in trade, architectural brilliance, and the factors contributing to their eventual decline. Through Burckhardt’s discovery and archaeological findings, Paul Cooper paints a vivid picture of a civilization that mastered the desert yet ultimately succumbed to natural disasters and the relentless expansion of the Roman Empire.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• [06:28] Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: "It is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity existing in Syria..."
• [52:10] Paul Cooper: "Under cover of darkness, the enraged Nabateans swept into the Greek camp and slaughtered everyone they could find."
• [56:40] Johann Ludwig Burckhardt: "...we, since we are in no way willing to be slaves..."
• [78:24] Paul Cooper: "The fact that we have to largely rely on the accounts of others when recreating the daily lives of the Nabateans is frustrating..."

Further Information:

For more detailed maps, images, and additional reading materials on the Nabateans and Petra, listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on Twitter @aallmmcooper and visit the podcast's official page at fallofcivilizationspodcast.

Credits:

Paul Cooper extends his gratitude to voice actors Nick Denton, Jay Forrester, Shem Jacobs, Annie Kelly, and Paul Cassell for their contributions to this episode. Support the podcast and access exclusive content by becoming a patron at patreon.com/fallofcivilizationspodcast.