The Nabataeans: The Final Days of Petra (2022)

In the deserts of Jordan, a city lies hidden for centuries in a valley of rose-red stone. This city is none other than Petra, an ancient marvel that once thrived as a bustling metropolis. The documentary The Nabataeans: The Final Days of Petra delves into one of the most peculiar stories of civilizational survival from the ancient world—the story of the Nabataeans.

These once humble traders rose to become masters of the desert sands. Their expertise in controlling scarce water resources allowed them to create a flourishing civilization within the rocky confines of Petra. But their legacy extends beyond mere survival. The Nabataeans defied empires, leaving their mark in stunning architecture, intricate tomb inscriptions, and unique customs and religion.

The film explores how this enigmatic civilization reached its zenith, becoming a beacon of prosperity and ingenuity. It takes us through the winding Siq, past the Treasury, and into the heart of Petra, where the Nabataeans left their indelible imprint. Yet, like all great empires, theirs faced challenges. The documentary unravels the events that led to the fall of the Nabataean empire, revealing the forces that ultimately brought down this remarkable civilization.

Narrated by writer Paul Cooper, the documentary provides a captivating journey into the past. Through the lens of history, we witness the rise, triumphs, and eventual decline of the Nabataeans—a story that resonates across time and reminds us of the impermanence of even the most remarkable civilizations.

The Nabataeans: The Final Days of Petra invites us to explore the hidden city, unravel its mysteries, and reflect on the ebb and flow of human existence against the backdrop of rose-red cliffs and ancient ruins. Released on July 17, 2022, this two-hour documentary immerses viewers in the captivating tale of a civilization that defied the odds and left an enduring legacy in the sands of time.