Arabia Petraea

Arabia Petraea was a Roman province established in 105 CE by Emperor Trajan after annexing the Nabataean kingdom. It encompassed the former Nabataean kingdom and adjacent Syrian cities. The province's economy thrived in the 2nd century due to its role in the caravan and maritime trade of incense and other Far Eastern goods. Bostra became the capital, while Petra remained the religious center. The Romans built a road connecting key cities to enhance communication and control over local tribes. By the late 3rd century, Emperor Diocletian divided Arabia into northern and southern provinces. The southern province, later united with Palestine, eventually became known as Palaestina Salutaris. Both provinces experienced a revival in the 5th and 6th centuries before declining after the Arab conquest. Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataeans, was a significant center of trade and culture before becoming part of the Roman province of Arabia.123