Agrarian legacies and innovations in the Nabataean territory

Research at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra (al-Hijr) reveals that the Nabataeans, renowned for their trade along the Incense Road, also developed sophisticated agrarian systems. Analysis of carpological and anthracological data from four sites—Bosra, Dharih, Petra, and Hegra—showed a mix of annual and perennial crops tailored to economic needs, including food, raw materials, and fuel. Fruit trees were strategically distributed based on climate and topography, with Mediterranean agroforestry systems in semi-arid areas and an oasis agrosystem in arid regions. Notably, the presence of cotton at Hegra suggests Nabataean agricultural innovation linked to trade, indicating a blend of inherited practices and new technical advancements.

Bouchaud, C. (2015). Agrarian legacies and innovations in the Nabataean territory. ArchéoSciences, 39, 103–124. https://doi.org/10.4000/archeosciences.4421