The Station of Sabinus Alexandros
The Station of Sabinus Alexandros is one of the important religious sites that reveals significant aspects of the rituals and beliefs prevalent in Petra during the Nabataean period. Archaeological evidence indicates that this group of sacred stelae and ritual installations was commissioned by an individual named Sabinus, who appears to have been responsible for overseeing religious ceremonies dedicated to the gods. He likely held an important religious office involving the recording of divine names and rituals and the administration of ceremonial activities. Inscriptions associated with the site suggest that Sabinus may have originated from the city of Daraa in present-day Syria, reflecting religious and cultural connections between Petra and surrounding centers during that period.
Epigraphic and archaeological evidence indicates that the site was in use during the second or third century AD, a time marked by widespread religious activity and flourishing ritual practices associated with major festivals. Sabinus appears to have played a central role in organizing these rites, including supervising offerings and recording the names of participants in major festivals, most notably those dedicated to the god Dushara—the principal deity of Petra and a cornerstone of Nabataean religious identity.
The rock carvings and inscriptions left by Sabinus demonstrate a high level of organization and craftsmanship. The site includes a group of stone stelae used for ritual offerings, as well as religious symbols and short inscriptions that constitute a unique record of Nabataean religious practice during this period. Among the most notable discoveries is a relief depicting a figure wearing armor, believed to represent the god Armagathes, standing on a pedestal leading toward the altar—an image that underscores the importance of religious symbolism in the station’s design and location.
This site is considered one of the most important pieces of evidence highlighting the role of individuals in supporting and organizing religious practices within Nabataean society. It also sheds light on the interaction between local rituals and cultural influences from neighboring regions. Although much of Sabinus’s personal life remains unknown, the remains he left behind provide a clear picture of his influential role in Petra’s religious life and reveal a vital aspect of the city’s spiritual heritage.
Today, the Station of Sabinus Alexandros contributes significantly to our understanding of the development of Nabataean rituals and serves as an essential reference for studying the religious and social structure of Petra. It offers researchers new insights into the individuals who shaped the history and spiritual culture of this sacred city.