The Treasury at Petra, Reign of Aretas IV Philopatric, First Century AD, Sandstone Rock Carving
Aretas IV Philopatris was the King of the Nabataeans from roughly 9 BCE to CE 40. Aretas came to power after the assassination of Obodas III, who was apparently poisoned. Josephus says that he was originally named Aeneas, but took “Aretas” as his throne name. An inscription from Petra suggests that he may have been a member of the royal family, as a descendent of Malichus the First.
His full title, as given in the inscriptions, was “Aretas, King of the Nabataeans, Friend of his People.” Being the most powerful neighbour of Judea, he frequently took part in the state affairs of that country, and was influential in shaping the destiny of its rulers. While Aretas was not on particularly good terms with Rome, Augustus with great hesitation recognized him as king, After this recognition, Aretas placed a considerable army at the disposal of the Roman general.