Government

Nabataea was ruled by a hereditary monarchy. Royal inscriptions and coins identify kings and sometimes queens, including women who appeared alongside kings on the coinage.

Officials administered towns, trade, and military affairs. The monarchy drew strength from caravan routes, agricultural development, and alliances with neighboring powers.

Nabataean rulers negotiated with Greek kingdoms, Hasmonean Judea, and Rome. The kingdom retained its own institutions for many years even as Roman influence increased.