The Nabataeans were an ancient Arab civilization settled in what is now southern Jordan, northern Saudi Arabia, and the Sinai Peninsula. They flourished from the 4th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The Nabataeans were semi-nomadic people who developed a sophisticated system of water management, allowing them to thrive in the desert environment. They constructed dams, canals, and cisterns to store water, and they built agricultural terraces on the hillsides.
The Nabataeans were skilled traders, and their caravans carried incense, spices, and precious metals along the Silk Road. They were also accomplished builders, and they constructed impressive buildings such as the Al-Khazneh Treasury, a rock-cut temple in the city of Petra.
The Nabataeans were conquered by the Romans in 106 CE. However, their culture continued to thrive for some time, and their influence can still be seen in the region today.