Agriculture in sixth‐century Petra and its hinterland, the evidence from the Petra papyri

Agriculture was a cornerstone of the economy in sixth-century Petra and its hinterland, as revealed by the Petra papyri—a collection of ancient documents dating from AD 537 to 593. These scrolls provide unprecedented detail on agricultural practices, land ownership, and toponyms, some of which remain in use today. The study highlights the significance of springs, still active in certain areas, and identifies specific crops cultivated during this period. By comparing historical data with current agricultural conditions, the research offers a rare glimpse into the resilience and continuity of farming practices in Petra over 1,400 years.

Nasarat, M., Danah, F. A., & Naimat, S. (2012). Agriculture in sixth‐century Petra and its hinterland, the evidence from the Petra papyri. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy, 23(1), 105–115. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0471.2011.00346.x