Nabateans and Romans Negev

archaeological ruins in negev

the 4th century bc arrival of nabateans resulted in development of irrigation systems supported new urban centers located along negev incense route @ avdat, mamshit, shivta, haluza (elusa), , nitzana. nabateans controlled trade on spice route between capital petra , gazan seaports. nabatean currency , remains of red , orange potsherds, identified trademark of civilization, have been found along route, remnants of still visible. nabatean control of negev ended when roman empire annexed lands in 106 ad. population, largely made of arabian nomads, remained largely tribal , independent of roman rule, animist belief system.