The controversial annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom

In 106 CE the Romans added the territories of the former Nabataean Kingdom to their empire, thus creating a new province called Arabia. Although we have no contemporary literary sources about the events connected with the annexation, the legend Arabia adquisita on the first issued coins, rather than Arabia capta, together with the Trajan’s decision not to take on the title of Arabicus, has led some scholars to believe that the annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom was substantially peaceful. Recent archaeological discoveries and inscriptions can, however, give us more information regarding the events that occurred during the early years of the 2nd century CE.