Non-Nabataean Elements in the Architecture of Tombs in Hegra “Mada'in Saleh”: The Egyptian Corniche

Abouelata MI

Published on: 2025-01-25

Abstract

The Nabataean tombs at the site of Hegra “Mada'in Saleh” are characterised by the presence of a number of non-Nabataean architectural elements, including the decorative unit of the Egyptian cornice, which the Nabataeans transferred from ancient Egyptian architecture. This paper deals with the origin and development of the Egyptian cornice unit, then discusses how this Egyptian unit was transferred from Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula. The study suggests that this transfer occurred through two paths, one of which was direct as a result of a direct contact between the Nabataeans and the Egyptians, while the other was an indirect path through a cultural intermediary who transferred this unit from Egyptian architecture, and through this intermediary the Egyptian cornice unit was transferred to Nabataean architecture.