Chuldu facts for kids

Silver drachm of Aretas IV with his wife Huldu

Chuldu or Huldu was an important Queen of the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people. She was the wife and co-ruler of Aretas IV Philopatris, a powerful Nabataean king.

Who Was Queen Huldu?

Huldu helped rule the Nabataean kingdom alongside her husband, King Aretas IV. She was a significant figure in the 1st century CE. Her name in the Nabataean language was Ḥūldū.

Ruling Alongside Aretas IV

Queen Huldu ruled with King Aretas IV from about 9 CE to 16 CE. We know this because her picture appears on coins from that time. These Copper and silver coins show her together with her husband. After 16 CE, another queen named Shaqilath appears on coins from 18 CE. The reason for this change is not fully known.

Her Family

Huldu is believed to be the mother of several children with King Aretas IV. Her sons were Malichus, Obodas, and Rabbel. She also had three daughters:

• Phasa'el, who was the first wife of Herod Antipas.
• Shu'dat.
• Hagera.

Hagera also had a son named Aretas, who was a grandson of King Aretas IV.