The Petra Pool-Complex: A Hellenistic Paradeisos in the Nabataean Capital

Excavations in Petra, Jordan, have uncovered a monumental pool-complex that played a pivotal role in the socio-political life of the Nabataean capital during its Hellenistic and Roman periods. This 'paradeisos' served as a symbol of the Nabataean king's power and status among contemporary rulers, exemplifying conspicuous consumption and the flourishing status of Petra during its Classical era. The discovery highlights the architectural and cultural sophistication of the Nabataeans, blending Hellenistic influences with local traditions to create a unique urban landscape that reinforced political legitimacy.

Bedal, L.-A. (2013). The Petra Pool-Complex: A Hellenistic Paradeisos in the Nabataean Capital (, Ed.). Gorgias Press. https://doi.org/10.31826/9781463235697