Best Documentary
Floods in the Desert: Petra in Peril !
In the heart of the Saudi Arabian desert, shrouded in myth and untouched for centuries, lies the ancient city of Égrat—now known as Médain-Salé.
Carved from sandstone cliffs, its monumental tombs rival the grandeur of Petra, the Nabataean capital. Who were these mysterious desert traders, once nomads, who mastered water engineering and built cities in stone?
This documentary traces the rise and enigma of the Nabataean civilization, whose wealth came from incense and spice caravans stretching from India to the Mediterranean. We follow modern archaeologists as they uncover clues in the forbidden city of Égrat, navigating sacred legends, crumbling facades, and centuries-old inscriptions.
Their quest sheds light on forgotten queens, ingenious engineers, and a people whose influence echoes through language, architecture, and the desert sands.
Yet after decades of research, many questions remain: Who were the Nabataeans—traders, priests, rebels, or kings?
Original Title : Petra and the Kingdom of the Nabateans
Director : Bernard George, Nassera Zaïd
Published May 8, 2025
