Ep 12. Lost City of the Desert

In the twelfth episode of the second season of Unearthed, titled "Lost City of the Desert," the focus is on the search for the hidden remnants of the Nabataean civilization in Jordan. This episode begins with a stunning aerial shot of the desert landscape where the ancient city was once situated. The team works to uncover and reconstruct the lost city, understanding its architecture and how it played a crucial role in trade for the region.

The Nabataean civilization flourished in the area known today as Jordan. It was a society that was built on trade, with the help of a vast network of roads and deserts. Their trade network stretched from the Red Sea to Petra, earning them significant economic power and influence. This civilization remained relatively unknown until the early 19th century, when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered the city of Petra.

In this episode, the Unearthed team's objective is to uncover one of the lesser-known cities of the Nabataean civilization. The ancient city of Hegra, formerly known as Mada'in Saleh, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The team traveled to Hegra, which is situated in the desert region of Al-'Ula, to investigate the remains of the city and understand its role in the Nabataean trade network.

The team began their excavation with an overview of the modern town of Al-'Ula, which was once a thriving center of commerce. Located in the heart of the Nabataean desert trade route, Hegra was a major player in the exchange of goods, linking the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean and beyond. The team examined caravans, which were integral to the trade network, were constructed of wood and fabric, and were discovered by the team in excellent condition.

As the team moves deeper into the heart of Hegra, they encounter two distinct architectural marvels: the Treasury and the Monastery. These two buildings served as grand entranceways to this lost city and exhibit craftsmanship of the Nabataean people. The Treasury is the first building visitors see after they had completed a narrow, winding path through towering cliffs, and it provides an impressive introduction to the city. Made of sandstone, it's a replica of the famous Treasury of Petra. The Monastery, on the other hand, is built directly into a cliff.

To understand Hegra's role in the ancient trading network, the team had to examine its trade routes. They needed to comprehend the city's location in the larger network of trade and travel, and how it served as a junction between different regions. To find out, part of the team explored into the Ruwayqa Mountains, where, near the abyss, they discovered crucial evidence of Hegra's significance in the trade network of the Nabataean civilization.

As Hegra was a vital part of the Nabataean people's society and economy, the team concluded the excavation with an objective to experience the culture of the region. They partook in a celebration of the Nabataean customs while also enjoying the delicacies and beauty of the Al-'Ula region, located near the modern-day border of Saudi Arabia. The vibrant past of the Nabataean civilization continues to hold secrets waiting to be discovered, and this episode brought us a step closer to an understanding of this ancient culture's legacy.

Overall, the "Lost City of the Desert" episode represents the excellence of Unearthed's second season, where the team looks deep into the heart of the Nabataean civilization in Jordan. The episodes present a mix of anthropology, architecture, and uncovering secrets of the past. It's a must-watch for anyone who is passionate about history or enjoys storytelling. This episode is worth watching for everyone who wants to experience this hidden gem of history and follow the thrilling journey with the Unearthed team.