Malichus II

Malichus II (Nabataean Aramaic: Malīḵū or  Malīḵūʾ ) was ruler of Nabatea from 40 to 70 AD.



He was the son of Aretes IV and Huldu.

Malichus' reign is sometimes perceived as a period of declining Nabataean power, but this view depends in part on Nabataea having controlled Damascus in the period 34–40. The Romans had, however, diverted the routes of spice and perfume cargo shipments to Egypt. Rome was very powerful, so Malichus cooperated. In 66, a Jewish revolt occurred in Judaea. Malichus sent 5,000 cavalry and 1,000 infantry to help the Caesar Titus crush the rebellion.

Malichus II died in AD 70, and was succeeded by his son, Rabbel II Soter, initially under the regency of his widowed queen (and half sister by his fathers second marriage to Suqailat) Šagīlat II.