Books

The Social and Economic Aspects of the Nabataean Kingdom
This book, which consists of five chapters, begins with an introduction of the geographical extent of the Nabataean kingdom, the origin of the Nabataeans, and the process of urbanization.

The first chapter illustrates the Nabataean social system including social classes, the Nabataean family, marriage, divorce, systems of inheritance, festivals, public and official religious ceremonies and, finally, circumcision in Nabataean society.

Through the study of Nabataean gods, the second chapter discusses Nabataean religious beliefs and practices, such as pilgrimage and prayer. Praying is considered to be one of the most important religious rituals among the Nabataeans. Images of people raising their hands in a position of begging and praying, recitations, muttering, ablution, and purity were found on a rock in Hegra (Madain Salih in Northwest Arabia) region. This undoubtedly indicates that the Nabataeans were familiar with chastity and ablution before entering the temple. Immolation and the burning of incense were other prominent rituals.

In the third chapter the author examines the hydraulic and agricultural systems including: agricultural property, species of trees and crops, and irrigation systems. Chapter four deals with Nabataean industrial activities. The final chapter discusses trade activity, such as trade routes, ports, trade goods and Nabataean international trade contacts.