Archaeologists find 'astonishing information' after unearthing texts in Petra
A series of stunning texts more than 2,000 years old have revealed fascinating insights into the day-to-day lives of Petra's ancient community.
Petra, once a thriving political, cultural, and economic centre in the ancient world, holds a significant place in the history of the Middle East. Established by the Nabateans, an indigenous people of the region, Petra is located in present-day southwestern Jordan, extending into parts of southern Israel.
The Nabateans were known for their vast wealth, which they accumulated through their strategic position along key trade routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. This prosperity made them a formidable power in the region, drawing the attention and envy of neighbouring empires.
Petra's earliest recorded historical mention dates back to 312 BC when the ancient Greeks launched an attack on the city. Despite this invasion, the Nabateans successfully repelled the Greeks, further solidifying their place in the regionâs history.
However, the cityâs fortunes would change when the Romans, who were expanding their empire, conquered Petra in 106 AD. The Romans ruled Petra for more than two centuries, making it a vital part of the Roman Empire. Despite this extended period of prosperity, after the Roman departure, Petra's influence began to wane, and it slowly fell into decline, never quite reclaiming its former glory.
Over the years, archaeological excavations in Petra and the surrounding region have uncovered invaluable artefacts and structures, offering a glimpse into the splendour of this ancient city. One of the most remarkable finds came in 1961 when a set of ancient documents was discovered in a cave in southern Israel.
The scrolls, remarkably well-preserved for nearly two millennia, were akin to the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and shed light on the life of a Nabatean woman named Abi-adan, who lived during the first century AD.
The documents, explored during the Smithsonian Channel's documentary, 'Sacred Sites: Petra', are now housed in the Israel Antiquities Authority. They provide astonishing insights into Abi-adan's life, including her ownership of a date tree orchard near the Dead Sea.
Professor Hannah Cotton-Paltiel, a leading expert on the scrolls from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, revealed that Abi-adanâs dealings were documented in legal contracts that were not merely personal but related to business transactions.
She sold her orchard in two separate dealsâfirst to a Nabatean provincial governor named Archelaus, and later to a man named Shimâon. The fact that Abi-adan could read and write and that her land was adjacent to that of the Nabatean king, speaks to her wealth and influence in Nabatean society.
Professor Cotton-Paltiel emphasised the significance of these documents, noting that although they are not personal diaries, they convey the sense that women like Abi-adan were assertive and independent. "Behind these legal documents dictated to scribes, there are women who know what they want," she said. "Abi-adanâs role as a landowner and businesswoman highlights her agency in a society where women had extraordinary status."
In contrast to many ancient civilisations where women were often relegated to subordinate roles, Nabatea stood out for the remarkable agency women had in property ownership and legal matters.
According to Professor John Healey of the University of Manchester, the Nabatean society allowed women to own and transfer property, granting them a level of autonomy and respect that was rare in the ancient world. This exceptional status of women in Nabatea underscores the advanced nature of their society.
Today, Petra remains an awe-inspiring archaeological site, reflecting the grandeur of a civilisation that flourished long before many of the worldâs great empires. Its breathtaking rock-cut architecture, complex water systems, and rich history continue to draw visitors and researchers alike, uncovering the stories of a culture that once thrived at the crossroads of the ancient world.
The discovery of Abi-adanâs documents serves as a poignant reminder of the vital roles played by women in the ancient world, particularly in a city that was once a thriving hub of commerce, politics, and culture.
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