Malichus II (Nabataean Aramaic: 𐢓𐢑𐢏𐢈Malīḵū or 𐢓𐢑𐢏𐢀Malīḵūʾ) was ruler of Nabatea from 40 to 70 AD.

Silver drachm of Malichus II with his wife Shaqilat


He was the son of Aretes IV and Huldu.

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 Emperor 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.

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References edit

  1. ^ Riesner, Rainer (1998) Paul's Early Period Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1998 pg 81-82
  2. ^ Gerd Ludemann (2002) Paul: The Founder of Christianity pg 38
  3. ^ Alpass, Peter (2013) The Religious Life of Nabataea BRILL pg 175
  4. ^ Jane Taylor: Petra And the Lost Kingdom of the Nabataeans. I. B. Tauris 2001, ISBN 1860645089, p. 73 (online copy, p. 73, at Google Books)

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