Arétas Ier is the first king of the known Nabatéens. Its name appears on the oldest inscription nabatéenne which goes back to 168 av. J. - C. and which was found with Halutza.

It is also mentioned in the Bible (2 Books of the Stiffs 5:8). This passage tells that Jason, the large priest who establishes a Greek city with Jerusalem was made prisoner by Arétas Ier after being forced to leave the city.

Source

• ''Jewish Virtual Library''