Phylicia StitzelDoes the mention of a city carved into the walls of rose-red cliffs intrigue you? Adventurers, history buffs, and wanderlust souls alike, we’re about to embark on a riveting journey so buckle up! This journey transcends our usual realms, taking us back deep into antiquity, to the bewitching remains of the historical highlights of Petra, Jordan.
It was late August in the Middle East when I visited, which means no amounts of white is going to stop this Alaskan girl from sweating her butt off. However, thankfully it did help cover it 🤣.
My favorite thing about visiting Petra was, obviously the archaeological, and the markets! The markets for fresh food, spices and the antique markets. These markets are made up of the knickknacks that have been found in the sand around the ruins of Petra.
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Brief Overview of Petra
Located in southern Jordan, Petra was the thriving capital of the Nabatean kingdom. Credited with a rich historical legacy, Petra’s irresistible charm has garnered it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Affectionately called the “Rose City,” Petra is not merely a tourist spot; it’s a leap through time.
Walking through the temples of Nabatean you can see the beautiful colors of history painted right into the walls with the pink, greys, yellow and brown colors that tint the sandstone that make up the majestic enclosures of the Rose City.
The Nabateans: Builders of Petra
This history of Petra is a long and now a famous archaeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert. Dating to around 300 B.C., it was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Accessed via a narrow canyon called Al Siq, it contains tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs, earning its nickname, the “Rose City.” Perhaps its most famous structure is 45m-high Al Khazneh, a temple with an ornate, Greek-style facade, and known as The Treasury.
Presenting an extraordinary mix of intricate carvings and spellbinding architecture, Petra stands testament to the breathtaking ingenuity of the Nabateans. Renowned for their trade dominance and architectural prowess, these industrious people sculpted a city right out of the rocks. The Bedouin-style structures, tombs standing elegantly against the natural backdrop, and amphitheaters carved into hillsides, all tell tales of a civilization ahead of its time.
Walking down the long canyon (referenced in Indiana Jones as the “crescent moon”) that leads from the open desert down to the hidden city. You could see along the walls of the canyon where the water portos were carved out to stream fresh rainwater down to collection wells near the city. I couldn’t help but feel so small in standing in the arena where thousands of millennia have passed and for many centuries only the guardians of the city even knew of its existence.
The Siq: A Gateway to the Past
Your historic escapade begins at the Siq, a narrow, winding path ensnared in a rich blend of natural beauty and human artistry. As you saunter through this snaking entranceway, prepare to be greeted by the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the first breathtaking glimpse of the city’s grandeur, followed by the Street of Facades, lined with tombs awaiting their historical tales to be unraveled.
Monuments and Tombs
While every structure narrates an episode of Petra’s past, some demand special mention. Wandering deeper into Petra, you’ll encounter the spectacular Royal Tombs and the awe-inspiring Monastery (Al-Deir) both characterized by impressive façades and carvings. Their architectural grandeur stands as live echoes of Petra’s past.
The Great Temple and Religious Structures
In the heart of Petra lies the Great Temple, a testament to Nabatean architectural prowess and a significant center of religious activity. Additional religious landmarks include the Qasr al-Bint and the Temple of the Winged Lions, each narrating tales of Petra’s spiritual narratives.
Petra’s Decline and Rediscovery
Unfortunately, Petra’s splendor witnessed a downfall, and the city was gradually deserted due to earthquakes and changing trade routes. However, it got resurrected into global recognition after its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Today, as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra continues to bewitch explorers worldwide.
Modern Preservation Efforts and Tourism
To preserve this historical gem, numerous initiatives have been implemented, including World Monuments Fund projects. Visitors are encouraged to respect Petra’s heritage and support local communities whilst fully experiencing the city’s unmatched beauty.
Journeying through Petra means more than just ticking off a spot on your bucket list—it is about traversing millennium-old timelines, exotically blended into natural artistic splendors. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history aficionado, or a casual traveler, exploring Petra unveils a captivating history woven amidst Mother Nature herself. So, come embark on this mesmerizing journey back in time—Petra, in all its architectural glory, awaits your arrival.
