Dental Diseases in the Nabataeans and their Relationship to Food in Al-Hijr City: A Historical and Civilizational Study in the Light of Archeology and Modern Studies

Abstract

The study of diseases affecting teeth of ancient peoples provides very important information about the type of food available, the eating habits used and some other inappropriate behaviors and practices in the use of teeth other than their functions. The significant of this research depends on this valuable information in the field of dental diseases that the Nabataeans suffered in the city of Al-Hijr - Mada'in Saleh, especially after recent archaeological excavations. That took place on some Nabatean tombs at the site, and this research aims to identify the types of dental diseases at the Nabataeans, and to stand on its causes, as the research seeks trying to find a relationship between these diseases and the type of food consumed. The study also tries to explore the relationship between these diseases and some of the behaviors practiced in some daily work, and provide a clear picture of an aspect of public health in the Nabataeans. This can be done by highlighting the study of dental diseases and extracting some information about some of their nutritional habits and unsound daily practices.