Ep 3. A Nabatean by Any Other Name

The Naked Archaeologist season 2 episode 3 is titled "A Nabatean by Any Other Name". This episode follows host and archaeologist Simcha Jacobovici as he explores the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, once the capital of the Nabatean people.

Jacobovici begins the episode by examining a rock carving of a camel caravan, which he believes offers clues about the Nabatean caravan trade and their use of the Silk Road. He then meets with local Bedouin tribespeople who share their traditional knowledge of the area, including the location of hidden water sources and ancient caravan routes.

Next, Jacobovici meets with archaeologist Dr. Leigh-Ann Bedal, who has been studying the Nabatean tombs and burial practices in Petra for years. Bedal explains how the Nabateans likely believed in an afterlife, and as such, placed great importance on their tombs. Jacobovici gets a rare opportunity to enter one of these tombs and see the intricate carvings and decorations firsthand.

The episode also delves into the history of the Nabateans, who were known for their sophisticated water management systems and impressive architecture. Jacobovici visits the site of a large dam, where he discovers evidence of a Nabatean inscription that may provide clues about the history of the city.

Throughout the episode, Jacobovici emphasizes the importance of understanding the past in order to understand the present. He notes that the Nabateans were a multicultural society that existed at the crossroads of different cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and Persians. Jacobovici suggests that their legacy lives on in the multicultural societies of the present day, and that studying their history can help us better understand our own society.

Overall, "A Nabatean by Any Other Name" offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Nabateans, as well as the ongoing efforts to study their legacy.