Who were the Arabs?
Changing meanings of a term
- mentioned in ancient sources from Egypt,
Mesopotamia, and Greece from 9th cent. BCE
- rulers of region in northern Arabia/Syria,
5th cent. BCE-2nd cent. CE
- Originally a social institution and military
organization
- Not associated with desert nomads (Bedouin)
before 3rd cent. CE (domestication of camel)
- Hellenized (Greek-style) Ancient Arabian
kingdoms: Nabateans
and Petra
- non-Arab ancient city dwellers of the south
Tribute
bearers at Persepolis