Petra

Petra is an ancient city in southern Jordan, famous for its stunning rock-cut buildings and clever water systems. It is often called the "Rose City" because the beautiful pink sandstone from which it was carved gives it a warm, rosy color. Today, Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area around Petra has been home to people since around 7000 BC. In the 4th century BC, it was settled by the Nabataeans, a group of Arab people who made it their capital in the second century BC. The Nabataeans used Petra’s location near important incense trade routes to become a rich and busy trading center. They were masters of surviving in the desert, using smart ways to collect rainwater and grow food in tough conditions.

Petra reached its height in the 1st century AD, with buildings like the famous Al-Khazneh, possibly a mausoleum for the Nabataean king Aretas IV. After the Romans took over in 106 CE, calling the area Arabia Petraea, Petra’s importance slowly faded as new sea trade routes developed. A big earthquake in 363 caused damage, and by the early Islamic times, most people had left. The city stayed hidden from the western world until 1812, when a Swiss traveler named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found it again.

Today, Petra is one of Jordan’s most popular places to visit. Nearly a million people come each year to see its amazing stone buildings and learn about its rich history. UNESCO calls Petra "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage," showing just how special this ancient city is.

History

By 7000 BC, early farmers lived in a place called Beidha, just north of Petra. Petra is mentioned in old Egyptian records and letters as Pel, Sela, or Seir.

During the Iron Age between 1200 and 600 BC, the Edomites lived in the Petra area. The mountains provided water, making Petra an important stop for merchants trading goods like wines, olive oil, and wood.

The Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab tribe, eventually settled in Petra. They called their city Raqēmō. The Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Petra was an important city in the land of the Arabs. In 106 AD, Petra became part of the Roman Empire. Though it continued to grow for a time, it later declined as trade routes changed and earthquakes damaged the city.

In the 12th century, Crusaders built castles near Petra but eventually left. The city was lost until a Swiss traveler named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Since then, Petra has become a famous archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Main article: Sela (Edom) § Confusion with Petra Further information: History of the Romans in Arabia

Layout

Petra is found next to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah, in a basin surrounded by mountains. The Nabataeans, who built Petra, were very clever with water. They used dams, cisterns, and water channels to store water during dry times, which helped the city grow.

One famous part of Petra is the Treasury, a building carved right into the rock. It shows a style influenced by Greek culture, with designs like statues of gods and special shapes. Another big structure is the Monastery, even larger than the Treasury, also carved from rock and showing a mix of styles. Visitors today usually enter Petra through a narrow, steep path called the Siq, which leads to these amazing rock-cut buildings.

At the end of the Siq stands the Treasury, a beautifully preserved structure with marks from old bullets. Nearby is a large theatre that could hold thousands of people for performances. There is also a garden area with a big pool and a street with columns, showing the skills of the Nabataeans in building. On a hilltop, the High Place of Sacrifice was a spot for special ceremonies, including the offering of gifts and animals. The Royal Tombs, including the Palace Tomb and the Urn Tomb, show more of the city's grand architecture. Recently, a huge platform was found outside the city, suggesting there were even more important buildings and spaces in Petra than we knew before.

Geostrategic importance

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and a key spot for trade. Writers like Pliny the Elder talked about how important it was. The city was surrounded by tall rocks and had a stream that always flowed, making it easy to defend. Petra sat at the crossroads of many important trade routes. These routes led to places like Gaza to the west, Bosra and Damascus to the north, Aqaba and Leuce Come on the Red Sea, and even all the way to the Persian Gulf.

Religious importance

Further information: Nabataean religion

The Nabataeans, who built Petra, believed in many gods and goddesses from their Arab heritage and also honored some of their kings after they died. The most important god was Dushara, with three important goddesses: Al-‘Uzzā, Allat, and Manāt. Many statues of these gods and goddesses were carved into the rock. Some buildings in Petra are thought to be positioned to match the rising and setting sun during special days of the year.

Later, in the 4th century AD, Christianity arrived in Petra. This happened after the Roman emperor Constantine I allowed people to practice Christianity safely. Some of Petra’s tombs were turned into churches. After the year 629–632, many people in the area turned to Islam following its spread.

There is also an old story that Petra is where Moses struck a rock to bring out water, and where his brother Aaron is buried on Mount Hor. The valley near Petra is called Wadi Musa, or the “Valley of Moses.”

Climate

Petra has a semi-arid climate, meaning it is dry with some rain. Most of the rain comes during the winter months. The average temperature there is about 15.5 °C (59.9 °F) throughout the year. Annually, Petra receives around 193 mm (7.60 in) of precipitation.

Conservation

See also: List of World Heritage Sites in Jordan

The Bedul people, who lived in Petra, were moved to a new village called Umm Sayhoun in 1985. They were given new homes with basic services. Petra became a World Heritage Site in 1985 and was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.

Petra faces many challenges, including weather damage and too many visitors. Groups like the Petra National Trust work to protect the site. Over the years, many projects have helped save important buildings and structures in Petra. These projects have focused on restoring ancient buildings, protecting the Siq entrance, and preserving paintings and sculptures.

Popular culture

Petra has inspired many stories and artworks over the years. In 1845, a British poet named John William Burgon won a prize for his poem "Petra," describing it as "...a rose-red city half as old as time." The Lebanese Rahbani brothers wrote a musical called Petra in 1977. Petra has appeared in many books, such as Bartleby, the Left Behind Series, and Agatha Christie's Appointment with Death. It has also been featured in films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Mummy Returns.

People have written books about living near Petra, and it was even the focus of a TV special called "Petra: Lost City of Stone." Today, Petra appears in video games like Overwatch and in the Civilization series. It is also the setting for a Netflix show called Jinn, a supernatural drama about ancient spirits.