This book consists of eight chapters. The author of this book attempts to demonstrate the characteristics of the Nabataean civilization based upon epigraphic evidence.

The first chapter of this book discusses previous studies which have sought to present the Nabataean civilization from various perspectives – including archaeology, epigraphy, etc. – and which have been conducted since the discovery of Petra by the Swiss traveler Johan Burkhardt in 1812 until present day. The author also critically discusses the available evidence that has to do with Nabataean epigraphy. The fourth chapter examines the Nabataean language and script, as well as its relation to Aramaic as an international language of that time.

The Nabataean inscriptions concerned in this study have been dealt with in chronological and geographical order to include the Nabataean inscriptions documented in Petra, Sinai, Naqab, Um Al-Jimal, Hawran, and other Nabataean sites. This chapter also aims to study the linguistic characteristics of the Nabataean epigraphy including dictation, script, names/nouns, verbs, pronouns, letters, and adverbs. Based on this type of evidence, the author was able to demonstrate some of the social, religious, political and legal aspects of the Nabataean civilization.

The Nabataean society, its legal institutions and its political system form the content of the fifth chapter. Chapter six touches on the religious aspect of the Nabataeans including the nature of gods, temples, and religious rituals. The final chapter handles Nabataean relations with other cultures, particularly the cultures of Northwest Arabia, the Safaiatic and the Thamudic.

The first chapter of this book discusses previous studies which have sought to present the Nabataean civilization from various perspectives – including archaeology, epigraphy, etc. – and which have been conducted since the discovery of Petra by the Swiss traveler Johan Burkhardt in 1812 until present day. The author also critically discusses the available evidence that has to do with Nabataean epigraphy. The fourth chapter examines the Nabataean language and script, as well as its relation to Aramaic as an international language of that time.

The Nabataean inscriptions concerned in this study have been dealt with in chronological and geographical order to include the Nabataean inscriptions documented in Petra, Sinai, Naqab, Um Al-Jimal, Hawran, and other Nabataean sites. This chapter also aims to study the linguistic characteristics of the Nabataean epigraphy including dictation, script, names/nouns, verbs, pronouns, letters, and adverbs. Based on this type of evidence, the author was able to demonstrate some of the social, religious, political and legal aspects of the Nabataean civilization.

The Nabataean society, its legal institutions and its political system form the content of the fifth chapter. Chapter six touches on the religious aspect of the Nabataeans including the nature of gods, temples, and religious rituals. The final chapter handles Nabataean relations with other cultures, particularly the cultures of Northwest Arabia, the Safaiatic and the Thamudic.