One of the oldest cities in the world, Petra is located in southern Jordan and offers tourists an incredible insight into ancient history. Once the trading hub of the Middle East, Petra draws in many thousands of tourists a year thanks to its rich history, incredible location, and air of mystery that entices those who see it’s remarkable sites.
History of Petra
Called by its inhabitants “Raqmu”, the city of Petra was first believed to be settled around 9,000 BC. By the fourth century BC, it became the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom. The importance of Petra was based on two factors, it’s location along natural trade routes and the protection provided by the mountains that surround the area.
Petra managed to stay relatively independent for centuries but became a client state of the Roman Empire in the 1st Century BC. However, the true downfall of the city occurred when sea routes opened up around that time which diminished the natural trade routes. In 363 AD, a massive earthquake destroyed much of the city and it was eventually abandoned for nearly 1,000 years until rediscovered in 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
Your Journey into Petra
Because Petra has remained virtually untouched for over 1,000 years, it is one of the most incredible wonders you can visit. Here are some of the highlights that you can take in when entering Petra.
Bab As-Siq: This is where you start your journey, a trail that runs to the Siq and offers many monuments and tombs along the way, such as the fabled Obelisk Tomb. This helps prepare you for your visit to Petra itself.
Siq: This is a narrow gorge that marks the entrance to Petra, a snaking pathway between a mountain that was split in two by an earthquake. The towering walls of rock are quite a sight to see.
The Treasury: Even if you have never heard the name Petra, millions of people are familiar with its most famous site, the Al Khazney or “Treasury”, of which the entrance is carved out of stone. This location has been the subject of many films, including the climactic scene in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”.
Street of Facades: After passing the Treasury, the path opens up and you will see the many houses and tombs that dot the sandstone mountains. It is an awe-inspiring site that has been virtually untouched for nearly 2,000 years when Petra was in its glory days.
You can hike along the several different trails that take you out of the main city and allow you to view the rest of the area. This includes ruins from Roman structures and the Monastery, one of the more impressive sites outside the main city.
Overall, Petra remains a marvelous place to visit, going back in time over 2,000 years to visit a place that was one of the most important trading cities in the world. It’s almost like visiting a land that time forgot, but you will always remember your trip to Petra.
Amazing