Nabataean Settlement and Self-Organized Economy in the Central Negev

This study analyses the considerable changes which took place in in the Negev region from the 2nd-5th centuries AD, in particular the cessation of international trade passing through the region, and the substantial rise in population and rapid urbanisation which occured towards the end of this period. It synthesises archaeological research on the region, and analyses recent finds, most notably ceramics, which provide useful evidence for long-distance trade. Its conclusions note the ways in which the local market was able to sustain the loss of international trade, and the reasons for this.