Who is Roman Arabia?

Roman Arabia refers to the historical period and geographic region that was part of the Roman Empire. It was a frontier province of the Roman Empire that existed from the 2nd century onwards. Roman Arabia encompassed most of what is now Jordan, southern Syria, and northwest Saudi Arabia.

Roman Arabia as a ProvinceThe Roman province of Arabia was created out of the former kingdom of the Nabataeans and the adjacent Syrian cities of Gerasa and Philadelphia. It was officially established in the year 106 AD when the Romans annexed the Nabatean kingdom and renamed it Arabia Petraea. The province played a crucial role in the Mediterranean world, occupying a strategic corner of the region.

Roman Presence in ArabiaThe Roman presence in the Arabian Peninsula began with the expansion of the Roman Empire under Augustus and continued until the Arab conquests. The Romans established their authority in the region through a combination of military campaigns and political agreements.

Trade and CommerceTrade played a significant role in Roman Arabia. South Arabian merchants utilized the Incense Route to transport valuable goods such as frankincense , myrrh, spices, gold, ivory, pearls, and precious stones. The region's strategic location made it a hub for trade between the Roman Empire and Asia.

Archaeological DiscoveriesArchaeological evidence has shed light on the Roman presence in Arabia. Excavations have revealed Roman temporary camps along the Jordan-Saudi Arabia border, providing insights into the military campaigns and infrastructure of the time.

Further ReadingIf you would like to learn more about Roman Arabia, I recommend reading "Roman Arabia" by G.W. Bowersock. This book covers the history and significance of the province in detail and provides a deeper understanding of the region's relationship with the Roman Empire.