It was not wrong when someone said that history always brings new insights to the table. This was recently proved when an archaeologist team in Italy discovered the ruins of a 2000-year-old temple made by the Nabataea Civilization in the bay of Naples, Italy; the discoveries from this place have brought new insights about this race.
This civilization, which was located in the Middle East famously known for two things: one is for its rock-cutting architecture and second playing a major role in the 1989 blockbuster Hollywood film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Now, I bet there is another question which has emerged in your head: what are the discoveries the archaeologists in Italy have acquired from these ruins.
The discoveries which brought new insights
The first discovery which has been made by archaeologists of the ruins of these temples is various Latin inscriptions and usage of local materials. This made the researcher confirm that there was a small community of Nabataea Immigrants that existed during the Roman era, which mainly consisted of traders. Also, the existence of a sanctuary in the temple also confirmed that the Nabataean people of this place were also used to participate in various commercial activities in Ancient Italy. The two rectangular-shaped rooms were also discovered, which made the archaeologists confirm that a strong trade existed between Nabataean people and Ancient Italy.
Since the word “Dusari Sacrum” was found in the room, it was also deduced by the researcher that Dusari, one of their supreme Gods, might be the God of wealth in their beliefs. The designation of rooms, which was mixed with Nabataean and Roman elements, seemingly made the researchers confirm a new fusion of architecture in general.
The researcher also deduced the fact that one of the reasons why this temple was buried under the ruins might be due to various changes which came after the kingdom of Nabataea was annexed by the Roman Empire in 106 AD.
However, we bet that another question has also been playing in your mind how the whole plan was done? And firstly, who commissioned this entire project in the first place? Don’t worry about the next one; all your answers will be shared.
How the plan was made
The leader of this project is Michele Stefanie, who is affiliated with the University of Naples, Italy; the university also commissioned this project. He stated that three years ago, he and his team established a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Culture Italy to unearth this place. Mainly because he and his team believed that there was a growing possibility of a Nabatean temple in Naples as previously, some Nabatean inscriptions and artefacts had been found in the sea.
However, this is not only the end of their discovery as he stated that they are aiming to dig the entire temple so that they can reach the original floor and understand the deep aspect of this building and the possible relation which is between Nabateans and Ancient Italy.
What is Nabataean civilization?
Nabataeans were mainly a nomadic Bedouin Arabic tribe which first appeared in the region in nearly 400 BC. One of the prominent characteristics of this tribe was that they were owners of various high-quality horses, and they had the ability to move water from the desert. One of the ways they became wealthy was by trading and taxing caravans that crossed their section towards Arabia.
The kingdom of Nabateans was established in 168 BCE, with its capital being Petra (Which is located in modern-day Jordan). The people of Nabateans are mostly believed to be descendants of Ishmael, the son of Abraham. The civilization, however, was challenged by various things like the earthquake in 363 BC or the changes that have been seen on the trading routes. Besides that the civilization was also seeing the rampant Islamic inventions in the 7th century AD.
This all led to the civilization going on the path of decline that primarily ended in 106 AD when it was absorbed by the Roman Empire after they defeated the Nabateans in a war. The civilization was also referenced in the Holy Bible scripture.
Some important places in the Nabataean civilization
Like how Rome was crowned in Jewel of Ancient Italy, the capital city, Petra, was also the same for the civilization. One of the main reasons due to the architecture of this city, which was made with rock cut techniques. This city, as it is mentioned previously, also played a strong part in the 1989 blockbuster film Indiana Jones and Last Crusade, where it served as the main location where the artifact Holy Grail was located on.
Besides that, another important city in this civilization was Hega (Located in modern-day Saudi Arabia); from this place in the present day, more than 110 preserved tombs were found, which also provides a little bit of insight into how Nabataeans used to bury their people. Avdat (Located in present-day Israel) also in this process is another important city which has been discovered where a complex type building was found that was speculated to be the palace of Obodas, one of the kings of Nabataeans. Another important place of this civilization was Et Tannur which was mainly the religious site for the people of this civilization.
Where is Nabateans civilization is located in present?
As of now, in the present day, the places of this civilization are part of modern-day Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Syria respectively.
Some more prominent civilizations, like the Nabatean Civilization
| Rank | Civilization | Region |
| 1 | Mesopotamia | Middle East |
| 2 | Ancient Egypt | North Africa |
| 3 | Indus Valley Civilization | South Asia |
| 4 | Ancient China | East Asia |
| 5 | Maya Civilization | South America |
| 6 | Inca Civilization | South America |
| 7 | Ancient Greece | Europe |
| 8 | Roman Empire | Europe (Italy ) |
| 9 | Persian Empire | Middle East |
| 10 | Aztec Civilization | South America |
| 11 | Ancient Japan | East Asia |
| 12 | Minoan Civilization | Europe |
| 13 | Indigenous Civilization | North America |
| 14 | Olmec Civilization | South America |
| 15 | Chavin Civilization | South America |
| 16 | Khmer Empire | Southeast Asia |
| 17 | Aksumite Kingdom | Africa |
| 18 | Songhai Empire | Africa |
| 19 | Mali Empire | Africa |
| 20 | Mughal Empire | South Asia |
FAQ
What is the significance of the recent discovery of Nabataean ruins in Italy?
The discovery reveals a previously unknown connection between the Nabataean civilization and Ancient Italy, particularly in terms of trade and cultural exchange. It also sheds light on the architectural and religious practices of the Nabataeans in a new context.
What evidence suggests a strong trade relationship between the Nabataeans and Ancient Rome?
The presence of Latin inscriptions and the use of local materials in the temple indicate a significant interaction between the two cultures. Additionally, the discovery of rectangular rooms suggests a commercial purpose for the site.
Who were the Nabataeans and what were their main characteristics?
The Nabataeans were a nomadic Arab tribe known for their expertise in water management, horse breeding, and caravan trade. They established a powerful kingdom centered around the city of Petra, famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture.
Why did the Nabataean civilization decline?
The decline of the Nabataean civilization can be attributed to several factors, including earthquakes, shifts in trade routes, and the increasing influence of the Roman Empire. The Roman annexation of the Nabataean kingdom in 106 AD marked the end of their independent existence.
What is the future of archaeological research on the Nabataean ruins in Italy?
The archaeological team plans to continue excavating the site to uncover more information about the temple’s original floor and the extent of the Nabataean presence. This research could provide valuable insights into the cultural and economic interactions between the two civilizations.
