Petra

Petra (Arabic: ٱلْبَتْراء‎, romanized: Al-Batrāʾ; Ancient Greek: Πέτρα, lit. 'Rock') is an ancient city and famous archaeological site in southern Jordan. Known for its amazing rock-cut buildings and clever water systems, Petra is often called the "Rose City" because of the pink sandstone used to carve its structures. It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a important UNESCO World Heritage Site.

People have lived in the area around Petra since around 7000 BC, but it became important when the Nabataeans, a group of Arab people, settled there in the 4th century BC. They made Petra the capital of their kingdom and used its location near important trade routes to become very wealthy. The Nabataeans were good at farming, carving stone, and collecting rainwater, which helped them survive in the desert.

Petra reached its height in the first century AD when famous buildings like the Al-Khazneh were built. Later, the Romans took over the area in 106 AD. As new trade routes developed and earthquakes damaged the city, Petra lost its importance. By the early Islamic period, only a few nomads lived there. Petra was rediscovered by the western world in 1812 by a Swiss traveler named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, Petra is one of Jordan's most popular tourist spots, welcoming almost a million visitors each year. UNESCO calls Petra one of the most valuable cultural treasures in the world.

History

Petra has a long and fascinating history. By 7000 BC, early farmers lived in a settlement called Beidha, just north of Petra. During the Bronze Age, Petra was mentioned in ancient Egyptian records and letters.

In the Iron Age, the Edomites lived in Petra between 1200 and 600 BC. They used the natural mountains to collect water, which helped Petra become an important trading place for goods like wines, olive oil, and wood. Later, the Nabataeans, a nomadic Arab tribe, settled in Petra. They called their city Raqēmō. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Petra was an important city in the land of the Arabs.

When the Romans took control in 106 AD, Petra became part of the Roman Empire. The city continued to grow and was very important for trade. Even after the Romans, Petra remained significant for many years, becoming a center for Christianity during the Byzantine period before eventually being lost and rediscovered in the 19th century.

Layout

Petra is located next to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah, in a basin surrounded by mountains. The Nabataeans, who built Petra, were able to control the water supply, which helped the city grow in the desert. They used dams, cisterns, and water conduits to store water during dry times.

One famous part of Petra is the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the city. The most well-known structure is the Treasury, a large building carved into rose-colored sandstone. Petra also has a big theatre and a garden area with a pool. The city shows a mix of Nabataean and Hellenistic architecture, with many buildings carved directly into the rock.

Geostrategic importance

Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and a key center for their caravan trade. Surrounded by tall rocks and supplied by a perennial stream, Petra was both a natural fortress and a hub for important trade routes. These routes connected Petra to Gaza in the west, Bosra and Damascus to the north, Aqaba and Leuce Come on the Red Sea, and even stretched across the desert to the Persian Gulf.

Religious importance

Further information: Nabataean religion

The Nabataeans, who built Petra, worshipped many gods and goddesses from old Arab traditions. Their main god was Dushara, with three important goddesses: Al-‘Uzzā, Allat, and Manāt. They also honored some of their kings after they died. Many rock carvings in Petra show these deities. Some believe the layout of Petra’s buildings connects to the sun’s position during special times of the year.

Later, in the 4th century AD, Christianity arrived in Petra. This happened after the Roman emperor Constantine I allowed Christians to practice their faith freely. Some tombs were turned into churches, showing this change in the city’s spiritual life.

There are also old stories linking Petra to important biblical figures. Some believe Moses struck a rock there to bring forth water, and that his brother Aaron is buried nearby on Mount Hor. These stories have been part of the area’s history for many centuries.

Climate

Petra has a semi-arid climate, meaning it is dry but not a desert. Most of the rain falls during the winter months. The average temperature there is about 15.5 °C (59.9 °F), and the area receives around 193 mm (7.60 in) of rain each year.

Conservation

See also: List of World Heritage Sites in Jordan

The Bedul (Petra Bedouin) were moved from their homes in Petra to a new village in 1985. Since then, Petra has been cared for to protect its ancient buildings and history. In 1985, Petra became a World Heritage Site, and in 2007, it was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Many projects have worked to preserve Petra. These include restoring important buildings, protecting the ancient water systems, and finding ways to manage the growing number of visitors. These efforts help ensure that Petra’s history and beauty remain for future generations to enjoy.

Popular culture

Petra has inspired many writers, musicians, and filmmakers over the years. In 1845, a British poet named John William Burgon won a prize for his poem "Petra," which described the city as “a rose-red city half as old as time.” In 1977, the Rahbani brothers from Lebanon wrote a musical called Petra in response to their country’s civil war.

Petra has appeared in many books, such as Bartleby, the Left Behind Series, and Agatha Christie’s Appointment with Death. It also featured in the Adventures of Tintin comic series and several mystery novels. The site has been shown in many films, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Mummy Returns. It was also explored in a National Geographic show called Time Scanners and is the focus of a PBS Nova special titled “Petra: Lost City of Stone.” Netflix’s first Arabic series, Jinn, is a supernatural drama set in Petra. Additionally, Petra appears in video games like Overwatch and every Civilization game since Civilization V.

Petra has also inspired music and theater. An Englishwoman named Joan Ward wrote about her time living with the Bedouin people in Petra, and a playwright named John Yarbrough wrote a play called Petra that was performed in New York. The famous toy brand Lego even made a model of Petra’s Al-Khazneh as part of a “Wonders of the World” set.