The Mystery of Petra

Petra has captivated historians, archaeologists, and travelers with its enigmatic past. Built by the Nabateans over 2,000 years ago, the city served as a critical hub for trade routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Despite its prominence, much about Petra remains shrouded in mystery:

• Lost City: Petra was abandoned after a series of earthquakes in the 4th and 6th centuries, leading to its obscurity until its rediscovery in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
• Water Management: The Nabateans’ advanced water management system, featuring dams, cisterns, and aqueducts, allowed the city to thrive in a desert environment, demonstrating extraordinary engineering prowess.
• Purpose of the Treasury: While it is one of Petra’s most iconic landmarks, the true purpose of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) remains debated—some believe it was a royal tomb, while others think it may have served as a temple or treasury.

Interesting Facts About Petra

1. A City Carved from Stone: Nearly all of Petra’s structures, from tombs to temples, were carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, giving it an unparalleled architectural uniqueness.
2. Colorful Sandstone: Petra is often called the “Rose City” due to the pink hue of its sandstone, but the cliffs also display shades of orange, red, and yellow depending on the sunlight.
3. Hollywood Fame: Petra’s Treasury featured prominently in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, cementing its global recognition.
4. Religion and Rituals: Petra was not just a trade city—it held significant religious importance for the Nabateans, with numerous altars, temples, and high places dedicated to their gods.
5. Size and Monuments: Covering approximately 264 square kilometers, Petra boasts over 800 individual monuments, including tombs, temples, and sacrificial sites.

Most Famous Sites in Petra

1. The Siq

The journey into Petra begins with the Siq, a narrow, mile-long canyon flanked by towering cliffs that once served as the city’s main entrance.

• Highlights:
  • Carved niches and inscriptions along the walls.
  • Dramatic views of the Treasury as the Siq opens up at its end.
  • Engineering remnants of the Nabatean water channels.

2. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The most iconic structure in Petra, the Treasury, is believed to be the mausoleum and crypt of King Aretas IV Philopatris.

• Highlights:
  • A stunning façade carved from rosy-red sandstone with intricate Hellenistic design.
  • Myths suggest hidden treasures were stored in the urn atop the structure.
  • Its captivating beauty makes it one of the most photographed spots in the world.

3. Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are a series of monumental mausoleums carved into the cliffs overlooking Petra’s city center.

• Highlights:
  • Urn Tomb: Converted into a church in 446 AD, featuring a large yard and intricate details.
  • Silk Tomb: Renowned for its vibrant sandstone swirls.
  • Corinthian Tomb: Reflects a mix of Nabatean and Hellenistic architecture, similar to the Treasury.
  • Palace Tomb: Speculated to house the tombs of Petra’s kings, with its grand, palace-like design.

4. Ad-Deir (The Monastery)

This monumental structure rivals the Treasury in grandeur and size. Ad-Deir, meaning “The Monastery,” is believed to have been a Nabatean temple before later being used as a Christian monastery.

• Highlights:
  • Its location atop a hill requires a challenging hike of 800 steps, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of the desert.
  • The monumental façade spans 50 meters wide and 45 meters tall.
  • Panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

5. High Place of Sacrifice

This sacred site was used by the Nabateans for animal sacrifices and religious rituals.

• Highlights:
  • A challenging hike leads to this hilltop sanctuary.
  • Incredible views of Petra and the surrounding desert landscape.
  • Altar remains where ancient rituals took place.

6. Qasr al-Bint

Known as the Temple of Dusares, Qasr al-Bint is the largest free-standing structure in Petra and one of its best-preserved buildings.

• Highlights:
  • Dedicated to the Nabatean god Dusares.
  • Its façade stands out as it is not carved into the rock but built as a separate structure.
  • Its massive scale and design reflect the significance of religious worship in Nabatean culture.

Additional Notable Monuments in Petra

• Urn Tomb: Famous for its conversion into a church and its grand courtyard.
• Palace Tomb: A majestic structure possibly built for Nabatean royalty.
• Corinthian Tomb: Its design is inspired by Hellenistic architecture, echoing the Treasury’s style.
• Silk Tomb: Distinguished by its colorful rock striations, giving it an artistic appearance.

How Many Monuments Does Petra Have?

Petra is home to over 800 monuments, including tombs, temples, and water systems. These structures span across various eras and reflect the ingenuity of the Nabateans and the blend of different cultural influences over centuries.