v49_0316 - NABATEA - NABATAEAN KINGDOM - ARETAS IV Unité, (PB, Æ 20)

NABATEA - NABATAEAN KINGDOM - ARETAS IV

(9 BC 40 AD)

The Nabataean kingdom experienced its greatest apogee during the reign of Aretas IV (9 BC - 40 AD), nicknamed "the Friend of his people". He pushes the boundaries of his kingdom. He is a builder monarch. The main monuments of Petra were built during his reign. His son and successor Malichos II (40 - 71 AD) leads a pro-Roman policy. During the Judean War, he will be the faithful ally of Titus, to whom he provides a contingent of 1,000 horsemen and 500 archers. After his death, his wife Shaqilat II ensures the regency for his son. Rabbel is the last king (71 - 106) of Petra. Shortly after his death, the Romans annexed Nabatene which became a Roman province under the reign of Trajan (97-117), under the name of Arabia.