Nabataean

Script of the Nabataean kingdom centered at Petra (4th century BC–106 AD). Developed from Aramaic, it is the direct ancestor of the Arabic script. The Nabataeans amassed enormous wealth from spice and silk trade; Petra's rock-carved city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After Roman annexation in 106 AD, Nabataean evolved into Arabic script — this transition is the origin of the Arabic alphabet now used by ~420 million people worldwide.