Malichus II
Ruler of Nabatea from 40 to 70 AD
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Malichus II (Nabataean Aramaic: 𐢓𐢑𐢏𐢈, romanized: Malīḵū or 𐢓𐢑𐢏𐢀, Malīḵūʾ) was ruler of Nabatea from 40 to 70 AD.
| Malichos II | |
|---|---|
| King of the Nabataean Kingdom | |
Silver drachm of Malichus II's son Rabbel II with Malichus' wife Shaqilat | |
| Reign | 40-70 AD |
| Predecessor | Aretas IV Philopatris |
| Successor | Rabbel II Soter |
| Died | 70 AD |
| Spouses | Shaqilath II |
| Issue | Rabbel II |
Biography
Malichus' reign is sometimes perceived as a period of declining Nabataean power, but this view depends in part on Nabataea having controlled Damascus in the period 34–40.[1][2][3] The Romans had, however, diverted the routes of spice and perfume cargo shipments to Egypt. Rome was very powerful, so Malichus cooperated. In 66, a Jewish revolt occurred in Judaea. Malichus sent 5,000 cavalry and 1,000 infantry to help the Caesar Titus crush the rebellion.
Malichus II died in AD 70,[4] and was succeeded by his son, Rabbel II Soter, initially under the regency of his widowed queen (and half sister by his fathers second marriage to Suqailat) Šagīlat II.
