Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled deep within the rugged desert canyons of southern Jordan lies the ancient city of Petra, one of the true wonders of the world. Often called the “Rose City” due to the pink hues of its rock-cut monuments, Petra offers visitors a magical glimpse into the forgotten Nabataean civilization of 2,000 years ago. This elaborate city carved directly into sandstone cliffs was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and a major trading hub along the Silk Road. Today, Petra is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction and largest archaeological site, transporting over 1 million visitors per year back through time. From the jaw-dropping Treasury facade to towering monolithic tombs, a visit to Petra is an unforgettable adventure.
Overview of Petra
The ancient city of Petra covers over 100 square miles, with hundreds of elaborately carved tombs, temples, and other structures concealed within its rocky landscape. At its peak around 100 AD, Petra may have been home to 20,000 Nabataeans who ingeniously built dams, cisterns, and water conduits to survive in the desert. The city center contains the most iconic monuments, all carved out of vibrantly colored sandstone cliffs. The main entrance to Petra is through the Siq, a narrow gorge that suddenly reveals the dazzling Treasury facade at the end of its passage. Beyond the Treasury are sites like a 8,000-seat amphitheater, Byzantine church, and the iconic Monastery atop a daunting 800-step ascent.
History of Petra
Nabataean origins
Petra was established sometime around the 4th century BC by the nomadic Arab Nabataean tribe who settled in southern Jordan. The Nabataeans carved dwellings, temples, and tombs into the sandstone as their civilization prospered through controlling the valuable incense trade and levying taxes on caravans travelling through the region. Nabataean ingenuity is evident in complex hydraulic systems that channeled flash flood waters into cisterns and reservoirs. At its zenith during the 1st century AD, the Nabataean Kingdom controlled a vast area encompassing parts of modern-day Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Syria.
Roman annexation
In 106 AD, the Nabataean Kingdom was annexed by the Roman Empire. Petra then became capital of the new province Arabia Petraea and continued to flourish as both a trading center and architectural showcase. The Romans added new monuments in their own style, including a colonnaded street, baths, temples, and expanded water storage capabilities. Petra’s importance declined with the shift of trade routes to Palmyra and new sea-based trade. A major earthquake in 363 AD caused widespread destruction in the city.
Decline and rediscovery
Petra entered a long period of decline under Byzantine rule after the Roman Empire split. An Islamic conquest absorbed the region into the Umayyad Caliphate by the 7th century. A Crusader castle was built on top of the Urn Tomb during the 12th century, but then abandoned after Saladin defeated the Crusaders in 1189. For centuries, Petra was largely forgotten in the Western world and inhabited only by local Bedouin tribes. In 1812, a young Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt disguised himself as an Arab scholar and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the fabled lost city. After this rediscovery, Petra became recognized globally as a spectacular archaeological site and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The Siq: The Gateway to Petra
The Siq is the narrow, half-mile long gorge that provides the only entrance into Petra’s city center on foot. For many visitors, walking through this natural marvel is one of the highlights of a Petra visit. The Siq’s 200-foot high cliffs were deliberately shaped by Nabataean engineers into a stunningly beautiful passageway. As the Siq twists and turns, the eye is drawn toward the tantalizing glimpse of the Treasury’s facade emerging at the far end. Inside the Siq canyon are remains of terracotta pipes and channels used in Nabataean hydraulic systems, along with shrines carved into niches lining the walls. The drama and anticipation build until you finally emerge from the Siq’s shadows to be awestruck by your first full view of the dazzling Treasury monument.
The Treasury
Regarded as Petra’s masterpiece, the Treasury is the city’s most iconic monument and celebrated globally as one of archaeology’s finest treasures. Known locally as Al-Khazneh, this elaborate façade towering 140 feet tall appears dramatically at the end of the Siq passageway. The pink sandstone Treasury is adorned by columns, statues, and intricate carved detail. The name comes from a legend about an Egyptian pharaoh who hid his treasure here, although in reality it was built as a tomb in the early 1st century AD.
Architecture and carvings
The Treasury exemplifies a blend of Hellenistic, Roman, and native Nabataean architectural styles. Columns flanking the entrance copy Corinthian forms, but are carved directly out of the sandstone cliff. Figures of classical deities, Amazon warriors in battle, and mythical creatures decorated the upper level, which has suffered damage over time. The plain interior room contradicts assumptions it held riches, confirming its use as a tomb.
Theories on purpose
Despite its name, scholars agree the Treasury served as a tomb for a Nabataean king, although exactly which one remains a mystery. Some theories suggest it may be the final resting place of the legendary King Aretas III who ruled at the height of Nabataean power. Alternatively, it could be the tomb of a later, more obscure ruler. The Treasury’s lavish exterior was certainly designed to highlight the wealth and might of the Nabataean kingdom.
The Monastery
At the top of around 800 rock-cut steps sits the Monastery, Petra’s largest monument which rivals the Grandeur of the Treasury. Known as Ad-Deir in Arabic, this monument perches high on a mountainside plateau overlooking the valley below. The Monastery was built in the early 3rd century AD as a public tomb inside a flat-topped facade measuring 150 feet wide by 170 feet tall. Despite its name, it bears no direct relation to any religious Christian use.
Climbing the mountain
The steep path winding up Jabal ad-Deir provides stunning views, but climbing to the Monastery takes serious effort and at least 45 minutes one-way from the valley floor. Taking it slow in the intense sun and high altitude is wise. The monument suddenly comes into view around the last bend, and most hikers rate reaching the summit as extremely rewarding. For those unable or unwilling to make the climb, local donkeys can provide transportation.
Grand facade
The Monastery’s epic sandstone facade dwarfs viewers in comparison to its massive size. Like the Treasury, columns and carved figures flank the entrance, albeit on a grander scale. The plain rectangular interior chamber extends back over 160 feet into the rock-face. While not as ornate as the Treasury, the Monastery is undeniably impressive in sheer size and dominating presence atop the rugged mountain. The remote wilderness setting adds to its air of majesty.
Other Notable Tombs
In addition to its most famous monuments, Petra contains hundreds of other rock-cut tombs scattered across its vast landscape in varying states of preservation. Several stand out with their unique architectures and stories.
Corinthian Tomb
Named for its columns, the 1st century AD Corinthian Tomb features a Greek-inspired temple style unusual in Petra. Decorative urns are carved between the columns across the upper level. Damaged by earthquakes, only the upper portico facade and fragments of the interior chambers remain intact.
Palace Tomb
With multiple stories and 45 rooms, the Palace Tomb from around 70 AD is one of Petra’s largest monuments. Decorative columns flank three central archways on the bottom level. Excavations uncovered richly colored wall frescoes inside depicting Dionysian religious rituals, attesting to a blending of Hellenistic and Nabataean culture.
Sextius Florentinus Tomb
This petite Roman-style tomb dating to 130 AD bears a Latin inscription dedicating it to the governor of Arabia, Sextius Florentinus, by his son. The classical details include an ornate cornice, pilasters, and interlacing acanthus leaves. It stands out among cruder carved facades nearby.
Petra at Night
Modern travelers can experience Petra under the stars on special night tours offered two times a week. As you walk through candlelit passageways, the sandstone cliffs are hauntingly illuminated by over 1500 candles. Night adds an extra magical aura to monuments like the Treasury. The atmosphere feels enchanting and romantic when exploring Petra by moonlight or candlelight instead of harsh daylight.
Tips for Visiting Petra
Petra merits at least one full day to appreciate the sprawling ancient city’s most significant monuments and get a feel for this place frozen in time. Advance planning helps you maximize enjoyment of your Petra visit.
Best time to visit
Spring and fall offer ideal weather, with comfortably warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Summer’s extreme heat limits daytime activities. In winter, occasional rainstorms bring a risk of flash flooding in Petra’s canyons.
What to wear and bring
Light, loose linen or cotton clothes provide comfort in the heat. Pack sun protection including hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Sturdy shoes are essential for rocky trails. Carry plenty of water and snacks to refuel.
Getting around
Walking is the way to explore most of Petra’s archaeological park. Horse-drawn carriages and donkey rides are available to navigate the main trail between monuments. Climbing up to the Monastery involves many stairs, but the epic views reward your effort.
Conclusion
Petra’s ancient Nabataean rock-cut monuments represent an ingenious feat of engineering and remain visually staggering over 2000 years later. This “Rose City” hidden amongst desert cliffs provides an interactive journey back through time. From the Royal Tombs lining the Street of Facades to the haunting beauty of candle-lit Petra by night, this archaeological wonder has captivated all who set foot inside its magical sandstone ruins. Beyond the postcard-famous Treasury, sites like the unforgettable Monastery and massive Great Temple reveal more of Petra’s architectural brilliance and legacy. Walking through Petra’s monumental canyons and passages today is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with Nabataean culture and imagine caravans loaded with incense travelling the Silk Road long ago. Petra stands frozen in a moment in time, waiting to be unveiled and discovered.
FAQs
What makes the rock at Petra so colorful?
The variety of vivid colors in Petra’s rock-cut facades comes from different mineral content in the native sandstone. Iron oxides lend the hues of red and pink, while manganese adds touches of purple. These natural colors were intensified when the stone was exposed to air and weathering.
Were the rock-cut structures carved by human hand?
Yes, everything was hand-carved using simple iron and bronze tools. Nabataean masons likely made grooves with picks then chiseled away the rock. It was a time-consuming and laborious process, reflecting tremendous skill and persistence.
Where did the Nabataeans get the water to survive in Petra?
Nabataean engineers designed complex systems to control and conserve every drop of rainwater that fell in this desert climate. Channels cut into the mountain directed runoff to cisterns hewn from solid rock, which could hold hundreds of thousands of gallons of water.
Did ancient Petra have any significance to Egypt?
Some architectural details like Egyptian obelisks and Isis representations reflect contact with Egypt. The Nabataeans also traded incense and spices with Egypt. But Petra does not seem to be directly connected to Egyptian pharaohs, despite “treasure” lore.
How many visitors come to Petra annually?
Before the Covid-19 pandemic halted tourism, Petra received over 1 million visitors per year, making it Jordan’s most popular attraction. Recently reopened to visitors, Petra now sees over 2,000 tourists daily in high season months like April.