15878. ARCHAELOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT PETRA. This paper examines the evidence from the excavations at Petra regarding the roles played by hydraulic systems and trade in the success of the Nabataeans, who occupied the site from the 6th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. The data are interpreted in accordance with the cultural materialist approach. Includes an annotated bibliography. 11 pages; 34 footnotes; 11 bibliographic sources. 3,539 words.