Carved In Stone
As John Burgon said, "It seems no work of man's creative hand, by labor wrought as wavering fancy planned," Petra stands as humanity's most ambitious fusion of architecture and nature. Here is a little bit about this wonder.
Geographical Location
Petra is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, on the eastern side of the Arabah Valley. This valley runs from the Dead Sea down to the Gulf of Aqaba. The city of Petra lies adjacent to Jebel al-Madhbah, which some consider the biblical Mount Hor.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Origins
Raqmu, as some locals would call Petra, is an archaeological site in southern Jordan. It's famous for its rock-carved buildings and smart water management systems, setting it apart from other places. This place is also termed the "Rose City".
Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rose City
It derives this nickname from the rose-colored sandstone that characterizes its rock-cut architecture. The name "Rose City" reflects not only the beauty of the stone but also the artistry of the Nabataeans, who carved this ancient city into the rock years ago.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dramatic Entrance
The Siq is a natural gorge that acts as the central entrance to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. It varies in width, measuring only 3 to 4 meters at its narrowest points. The narrowness of the gorge adds to the sense of anticipation upon entering.
JoTB, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Geological Wonder
This is characterized by towering sandstone cliffs that rise between 91 and 182 meters high. Apparently, the Siq was formed through tectonic forces that created a geological fault, later shaped by water erosion from flash floods.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Water Channel
Historically, the Siq served not only as a gateway to Petra but also as a water conduit. The Nabataeans ingeniously integrated a system of rock-cut channels and cisterns within the Siq, allowing them to manage water from Wadi Musa adequately.
Michael Gunther, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Early Settlement
Archaeological evidence reveals human presence around Petra in 7000 BC, when some of the earliest recorded farmers established communities in Beidha, north of the leading site. This early settlement marked the beginning of civilization in the region.
Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Edomite Period
The Edomites controlled Petra's strategic location during the Iron Age between 1200 and 600 BC. They cleverly utilized the mountain configuration for water storage and developed a trading post specializing in wine, olive oil, and wood distribution.
Chamberi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Trade And Water
They recognized Petra's advantageous position along ancient trade routes, which allowed them to control commerce between the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring regions. Also, the Edomites constructed cisterns and channels to collect rainwater.
Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nabataean Arrival
The scenario changed when the Nabataeans arrived in the 4th century BC. The Nabataeans were savvy nomadic Arab traders who knew how to survive in the desert and make deals. Their skills helped them succeed in the region.
Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cultural Blend
The Nabataeans blended Hellenistic architectural styles with their own designs, creating structures like rock-cut tombs and temples. The city had lovely landmarks like Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) and the Monastery, which highlight their architectural talent.
David Berkowitz from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rise In Economy
Under Nabataean rule, Petra's economy flourished. The city became known for its wealth derived from trade and agriculture, with estimates suggesting a population of around 20,000 to 25,000 at its height during the 1st century AD.
Like tears in rain, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Water Innovation
Nabataean engineers revolutionized desert living by creating a network of channels, dams, and reservoirs throughout Petra. Their water harvesting systems controlled flash floods and maintained water supplies during drought periods—creating a desert oasis.
Alisa Reznick, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Religious Beliefs
The Nabataeans worshipped Dushara as their primary deity, alongside three important goddesses: Al-'Uzzā, Allat, and Manāt. Dushara, whose name means "Lord of the Mountain," was their supreme god, mostly connected with Zeus, Dionysus, and Helios.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Sacred Finds
There are some ancient religious finds in Petra, like a noteworthy stele dedicated to Qos-Allah. It has horns and celestial symbols on it. This God is actually connected to the Edomite deity Kaush and is associated with both hunting and the weather.
Chamberi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Roman Rule
In 106 AD, the Roman Empire, ruled by Emperor Trajan, annexed the Nabataean Kingdom and established the province of Arabia Petraea. Following the annexation, Petra was incorporated into this area. The Petra Roman Road was one notable contribution.
Hartmann Linge, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Roman Enhancements
During the Roman occupation of Petra, enhancements were made to Colonnaded Street. It was broadened to around 6 meters and lined with 72 nice columns made from marble-clad sandstone. At the beginning of the street, a Nymphaeum (public fountain) was created.
Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Byzantine Era
Christianity started to make its mark when Byzantine settlers built a bunch of churches in Petra. The finding of 140 papyri documents in one of the Byzantine churches, dating back to between 530 and 590 AD, shows that the city was still important during that time.
Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Byzantine Churches
Some notable examples of churches included the Byzantine Church, also known as the Petra Church, the Ridge Church, and the Blue Chapel. These structures were mainly located on a slope in the northern part of downtown Petra.
G41rn8, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Crusader Period
During the 12th century, medieval warriors, particularly the Crusaders, established their presence in Petra by constructing fortifications such as Alwaeira Castle (also known as Al-Wu'ayra Castle). This one was built around 1115 AD under the rule of Baldwin I of Jerusalem.
Bashar Tabbah, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Magnificent Treasury
Al-Khazneh stands as Petra's architectural masterpiece, with a height of 37 meters. It has a grand facade adorned with intricate carvings of floral and figurative elements. Hellenistic Alexandria allegedly influences the architectural style.
Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Facade Features
The facade consists of a six-columned portico topped with a triangular pediment. Also, the upper section features a broken pediment interrupted by a tholos (a circular structure) crowned with a funerary urn. Local legends led Bedouins to believe hidden treasures were concealed within the urn.
Maya-Anaïs Yataghène from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Al-Khazneh
This belief made Bedouins shoot at the front of the building. So, Al-Khazneh is thought to have been built as a tomb and burial place early in the 1st century AD when Aretas IV Philopatris was in charge.
Graham Racher from London, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Entertainment
The city's massive theater, expertly carved into the mountainside, entertained a huge number of spectators. Regular performances here included poetry readings and dramatic presentations, while gladiatorial contests attracted the largest audiences.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Theater Design
It was built during the reign of Aretas IV (9 BC–40 AD) and could accommodate about 4,000 to 7,000 spectators. The theater's auditorium was divided into three horizontal sections, with a couple of passageways and seven stairways for access.
Zairon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Festivals
Back in Roman times, there were festive celebrations in December dedicated to Chaabou and Dushara. Chaabou, often associated with the Virgin Mother, and Dushara, the primary Nabataean god, were central figures in the religious life of Petra.
Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Luxurious Complex
Recent excavations revealed Petra's sophisticated Pool and Garden Complex exceeded initial assumptions. Instead of a simple marketplace, archaeologists discovered an elaborate facility with a large swimming pool and hydraulic engineering.
Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Monumental Swimming Pool
The excavations spotted a large swimming pool around 43 by 23 meters and 2.5 meters deep. This structure could hold about 2069 cubic meters (547,000 gallons) of water, showing off the Nabataeans' exceptional engineering skills in water management.
Labedal, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Advanced Hydraulic Systems
Surrounding the pool was an advanced hydraulic system with channels, pipelines, and a central holding tank (castellum). These features were essential for transporting water from nearby hills to the pool and irrigating the expansive garden terrace located to the north.
Leigh-Ann Bedal, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Royal Burial Ground
The Royal Tombs represent the pinnacle of Nabataean architectural achievement. This magnificent complex includes the stunning Palace Tomb, presumed to house Petra's rulers, alongside the ornate Corinthian, Silk, and Urn tombs.
twiga-swala, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Palace Tomb
The Palace Tomb is one of the biggest facades in Petra, measuring 49 meters wide and 46 meters tall. The upper levels are constructed rather than carved, resembling a Roman palace, with the facade having three stories of 12 decorated columns.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Palace Tomb Layout
The first story features aediculae (small shrines) that serve as entryways into the tomb's interior, while the second story is supported by 18 engaged columns with pseudo-Ionic capitals. The uppermost story extends beyond the cliff face.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sacred Heights
Petra's crowning achievement, the Monastery, spans 50 meters in width and soars 45 meters high. Known as Ad-Deir, its interior volume is 2,000 cubic meters, consisting of a main chamber and three antechambers. The building's columns exhibit a Corinthian style.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Monastery
Initially believed to have served religious purposes, possibly as a temple or cultic site, the Monastery later transitioned into a Christian worship site during the Byzantine period. It is accessible via a steep path consisting of nearly 800 steps.
Azurfrog, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The High Place Of Sacrifice
This site was primarily used for important religious ceremonies, like animal sacrifices and the burning of frankincense. The High Place of Sacrifice is situated at a high altitude, accessible via a steep path that begins near Petra's theater.
Michael Gunther, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ritual Chamber
Basically, this area has a rectangular courtyard with three carved benches known as a triclinium, where celebrants would share communal meals after sacrifices. Plus, a central low table, or motab, was used to hold statues of deities during rituals.
Jean Housen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Natural Disaster
A catastrophic earthquake struck in 363 AD, hugely damaging massive structures and the vital water system. Despite the destruction, people continued to inhabit Petra during the Byzantine period. But, it was seen as the beginning of Petra's gradual decline.
hikinginjordan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rediscovery
In 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt made history by "rediscovering" the city of Petra. To enter Petra, Burckhardt disguised himself as a local Arab speaker named Sheikh Ibrahim Ibn Abdallah. In his writings, he described the rock-cut architecture, including the famous Al-Khazneh.
Basel Historical Museum, Wikimedia Commons
Artistic Documentation
In 1839, Scottish artist David Roberts made a trip to Petra and created some detailed sketches that helped put the site on the map for people in Britain. Then, in 1868, American painter Frederic Church's expedition documented the site's architecture.
Charles Baugniet, Wikimedia Commons
Modern Transitions
The Bedul Bedouin community maintained their traditional cave dwellings in Petra until 1985 when the Jordanian government relocated them to the newly established settlement of Umm Sayhoun. This relocation was a big cultural shift for them.
American colony photographers., Wikimedia Commons
Sacred History
Apparently and as written in the Bible, Petra is thought to be part of the route taken by Moses and the Israelites. This is because the nearby Wadi Musa, which translates to "Moses Valley," is believed to be where Moses hit the rock to bring forth water.
Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Popular Culture
In 1845, British poet John William Burgon won the Newdigate Prize from Oxford University for his poem titled "Petra". The opening lines emphasize that Petra appears to be a natural creation. And he exclaims, "But from the rock as if by magic grown, eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!"
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
Global Recognition
UNESCO named Petra as a World Heritage Site in 1985, which really highlighted how important it is historically. In 2007, Petra was also selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, further boosting its international status.
Khalid Qabbany, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Conservation Efforts
The Petra National Trust (PNT), established in 1989, is a registered Jordanian non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation of this historical site. PNT protects Petra's ancient structures from environmental threats like erosion and salt crystallization.
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