Jordan's Rose-Red City of Petra
Sights to See in an Ancient Wonder of the World, Carved in Stone
Jan 10, 2009
The ancient site of Petra, one of Jordan’s main travel destinations, is home to rose-red buildings in sheer rock faces, carved by expert engineers thousands of years ago. Petra is an intricately-constructed city carved into a rocky gorge about 300 kilometres (186 miles) south of Amman, Jordan.
Petra in History
Recently named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra gives visitors a unique view of history and archaeology. Researchers believe that a tribe called the Nabateans originally carved out the city about 2500 years ago, although the area was likely inhabited by various nomadic tribes as far back as the ninth century B.C. The winding route through the cliffs was designed to protect the city from attack, but it came under Roman control by about the second century A.D.
Petra was once part of a thriving trade route for spices, gold, silver, and other commodities from India and Arabia. Eventually, however, its importance as a link to the western world declined. Earthquakes destroyed many of the buildings, and after an attack by Arabs in the seventh century, the inhabitants deserted the city. Crusaders seeking to conquer the Middle East briefly occupied Petra in the 12th century, but after that the city was forgotten until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered the site in 1812. Over the years since then, archaeologists and historians have uncovered many of Petra’s secrets, although the city still retains much of its mystery.
The Road to Petra
Today, only two roads lead to the city, one from Saudi Arabia and the other along a winding, one-kilometre (.6 mile) path called the Siq, lined by cliffs 80 metres (87.5 yards) high. No vehicles are allowed along the Siq, but visitors who prefer not to walk can ride horses to the entrance of the city. Carvings in the cliffs along the way give insights into the religion and culture of the ancient residents of the area and build anticipation for the moment when the pathway suddenly opens up to reveal a valley where the massive pillars of the treasury give a first glimpse into what is to come.
Treasures of Petra's Builders
The treasury of Petra, called Al-Khazneh in Arabic, is a marvel of engineering and architecture. Although archaeologists can only guess at the building’s original purpose, it was evidently a place of importance, judging by the size and the intricacy of the stonework. At 30 metres (32.8 yards) wide and 43 metres (47 yards) high, the treasury building is an impressive sight. A huge amphitheatre beyond the treasury shows the influence of Petra’s Roman rulers, while Ad-Deir Monastery, up 800 stone steps from the main area, points to the Christian era.
All around the site are ancient graves, obelisks, altars, and temples are among the other remnants of the ancient city, carved from the same red stone. Archaeologists and historians have made information on the artefacts and history of the city available through the Petra Archaeological Museum and the Petra Nabataean Museum. Located on site, they have information and displays to explain the amazing history of the ancient civilizations that once flourished there.
Even a short visit to Petra can be interesting, but really seeing the site requires at least a day or more. Jordan has an extensive system of highways, making it easy to drive in from Amman or other cities or towns, and the country’s relative stability makes a visit feasible for any tourist. For a fascinating view of one of history’s most unique cities, a visit to Petra is well worth the time.
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