Petra is 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”
At the beginning of time, according to some experts, the inhabitants of Petra lived in tents, since the buildings excavated in stone are, for the most part, tombs from the 3rd century BC, which vary in size, design and ornamentation depending on the position. social of the deceased.
Apparently the civilization of the Nabataeans built are based on the movement of the Sun. Thus, this civilization took into account both the seasons and astronomical events to build their palaces, temples and tombs.
The city of Petra was carved out of rock by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. The Nabataeans were traders and the city served as an important trading stop connecting the Middle East and the Silk Road to Egypt.
Experts know that the Nabateans inhabited Petra from at least 312 BC, according to archaeologist Zeidoun Al-Muheisen of the Jordanian University of Yarmouk.
Only 15 percent of the city has been discovered. The vast majority — 85 percent — is still underground.
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan became one of the 7 New Wonders of the World when it was chosen in 2007 by a vote of 100 million people.
