Petra, or “Rose City,” is the actually colored sandstone cliff-cut city in the desert south-western of Jordan.
Petra was first founded in the 4th century BC by the Nabataean Arabs, who lived as nomadic traders and made this city one of the major trading hubs.
Fall, on the other hand, was due to its geographical location along the caravan that connected China, India, and southern Arabia with Egypt, Greece, and Rome, which made it an important market center. To earn a living, the Nabataeans monopolized and levied charges on some of the goods, such as incense, spices, and other merchandise.
More specifically, what sets Petra apart is its architecture. Petra is not only considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World but also a marvel of architecture. Temples, tombs, and theaters, for instance, were carved out of solid cliffs by the Nabataeans. The most recognized of these are Al-Khazneh, or ‘the Treasury’, which was thought to be a mausoleum of the Kings of Nabataean.
There is evidence of first-class engineering in the centers for water management techniques such as dams and water cisterns as well as conduits that made it possible for the Nabataei to live through the desert-like climatic conditions.
Petra was unknown to the Western world until its discovery in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss oriental traveler. Since then, it has attracted the immense attention of historians and archaeologists, as well as numerous tourists. Since 1985, Petra has been on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and since 2007, Petra has been on the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Now, one can freely pass the narrow gorge of Siq, climb up to the Treasury, and admire marvelous ruins, realizing how brilliant and successful the Nabataean nation was. Petra is a wonderful place that combines the extraordinary beauty of nature with architectural masterpieces that leave everyone breathless.
Mark