Petra was established around the 4th century BC as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, flourishing as a major trading hub for spices, silk, and other goods.
The name 'Petra' is derived from the Greek word meaning 'rock', reflecting its architecture carved directly into vibrant pink and red sandstone cliffs.
The iconic Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, is one of Petra’s most famous structures, believed to have been built as a mausoleum for a Nabataean king.
Petra was largely unknown to the Western world until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
The Siq, a narrow gorge that serves as the main entrance to Petra, is over 1.2 kilometers long and lined with towering cliffs reaching up to 80 meters high.
Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
The city was strategically located along trade routes linking the Mediterranean with Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant, making it a wealthy and cosmopolitan center.
Petra’s sophisticated water management system, including dams, cisterns, and aqueducts, allowed the city to thrive in the arid desert environment.
The Monastery, or Ad-Deir, is one of Petra’s largest monuments, accessible by climbing a steep path of over 800 steps carved into the rock.
Many of Petra’s buildings were originally painted in vibrant colors, although much of the paint has faded over time due to weathering.
The city was abandoned in the 7th century AD after a series of earthquakes and changes in trade routes, which led to its decline.
The Nabataeans were skilled in rock-cut architecture and hydraulic engineering, which enabled them to create an oasis city in the desert.
Petra has been featured in several films, including 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', where Al-Khazneh served as the entrance to the Holy Grail's resting place.
Excavations continue in Petra, revealing more about the city's history, culture, and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
