Nabatean Kingdom Hellenistic period

al-khazneh in petra shows hellenistic influences on nabatean capital city

the nabatean kingdom arab state located between sinai peninsula , arabian peninsula. capital city of petra, important trading city on incense route. nabateans resisted attacks of antigonus , allies of hasmoneans in struggle against seleucids, later fought against herod great. hellenization of nabateans occurred relatively late in comparison surrounding regions. nabatean material culture not show greek influence until reign of aretas iii philhellene in 1st century bc. aretas captured damascus , built petra pool complex , gardens in hellenistic style. though nabateans worshipped traditional gods in symbolic form such stone blocks or pillars, during hellenistic period began identify gods greek gods , depict them in figurative forms influenced greek sculpture. nabatean art shows greek influences , paintings have been found depicting dionysian scenes. adopted greek language of commerce along aramaic , arabic.