Madaba Nabataean Inscriptions
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The Madaba Nabataean inscriptions are a pair of identical ancient Nabataean inscriptions carved in the Nabataean alphabet, discovered in the town of Madaba, Jordan. Dating to 37/38 CE during the reign of King Aretas IV, these inscriptions provide insight into the Nabataean civilization, particularly its language, administration, and funerary practices.
It is dedicated to two people named Artobel (also spelled Itaybel), grandfather and grandson, a Nabataean strategos (military governor) and camp commander respectively, and erected by Abdobodat, the son of the older Artobel and father of the younger Artobel.
The inscriptions provide evidence of Nabataean presence and influence in Madaba, shedding light on the roles of Nabataean officials, and reveal aspects of Nabataean funerary customs and the social status of the individuals commemorated.
The inscriptions are known by epigraphists as NSI 96 and CIS II 196.
Vatican Inscription
The first inscription was discovered in 1889 by local inhabitants of Madaba and brought to the attention of Marie-Joseph Lagrange the following year.[1]
The inscription is currently located in the Vatican Museums, as part of the Lapidary Collection. It was donated to Pope Leo XIII in 1889 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.[2]
Louvre Inscription
The Louvre inscription was discovered in 1906, and sent to the Louvre by Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau.[3] It is displayed in Room 314.[4]
Clermont-Ganneau wrote that the text was "absolutely identical" to that of the other version.[5]