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

Excavations in the Lower Market in Petra (Jordan), capital of the ancient kingdom of Nabsataea, uncovered the remnants of a monumental pool-complex at the heart of the ancient city. It played an important role in the socio-political life of Petra during the Nabataean and Roman periods. The mere presence of a paradeidos in Petra symbolized the Nabataean king's power and helped to legitimize his place among contemporary rulers. The paradeisos is an example of a gratuitous display of conspicuous consumption, a symbol of the flourishing status of Petra during its Classical era.

• | Author: Leigh-Ann Bedal
• | Publisher: Gorgias Press
• | Publication Date: Jul 01, 2013
• | Number of Pages: 298 pages
• | Binding: Hardback or Cased Book
• | ISBN-10: 1593331207
• | ISBN-13: 9781593331207