This study aims to shed light on the political history of the Nabataeans from the first historical reference to them in 312 BC until they lost their independence in the year AD 106. This study includes an introduction, six chapters and a conclusion.

The introduction, in which the research method is discussed, is followed by the first chapter, which describes the origin of the Nabataeans, their early beginnings and their discretion for the importance of the Nabataean districts.

Chapter two deals with the relationship between the Nabataeans and the leaders of Alexander the Great, their attacks on the Nabataeans’ kingdom, as well as the relationship between the Nabataeans and Ptolemies in Egypt.

Chapter three describes the period of King Aretas I and the relationship of the Nabataean kings Aretas II, Oboda I, and Rabbel I, with the Jewish King Alexander Jannaeus, in addition to the relationship between Aretas III and the Jewish kings Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II. The period of King Obada I is also discussed.

Chapter four illustrates the period of King Malchus I and his relationship with the Jewish King, Herod the Great. Furthermore, this chapter also discusses the Aelius Gallius expedition to South Arabia (Al-Yemen), as well as the political relations between the Nabataeans and the Jews during the period of King Oboda III.

Chapter five deals with the period of King Aretas IV and his relationship with the Nabataean priest, Syllaeus, and the Jewish King, Herod Antipas.

The sixth and final chapter examines the period of King Malchus II and the Titus expedition to Jerusalem. Also discussed are the period of King Rabble II and the annexation of the Nabataean kingdom by the Roman Empire in AD 106. In addition to this study is a list of the Nabataean kings and a number of illustrations including, inter alia, maps.