24 Dec 2024, 15:03Petra, once known as Raqmu by its ancient inhabitants, is a renowned historical and archaeological site in southern Jordan. It is celebrated for its intricate rock-carved structures and advanced water management systems. Nicknamed the "Rose City" due to the pink hue of its sandstone cliffs, Petra stands as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Nabataeans, an Arab nomadic tribe, first settled in the Petra region during the 4th century BC, eventually transforming it into the capital of their kingdom by the 2nd century BC. Petra thrived during the 1st century AD, with notable constructions like Al-Khazneh, believed to be the tomb of Nabataean King Aretas IV, and its population reaching up to 20,000. Following the Roman annexation of Nabataea in 106 AD, the city was incorporated into the Roman Empire and renamed Arabia Petraea.
Petra remained hidden from Western knowledge until its rediscovery in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, it is not only a symbol of Jordan's cultural heritage but also the country's most popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.1 million visitors in 2019. UNESCO has praised Petra as "one of the most valuable treasures of human civilization.
During the Roman Empire
In AD 106, Petra and its surrounding lands were absorbed into the Roman Empire under Governor Cornelius Palma, becoming the capital of the new province, Arabia Petraea. While the Nabataean dynasty ended, Petra continued to thrive under Roman rule, and the Petra Roman Road was constructed to enhance its infrastructure.
By the 3rd century, during Emperor Alexander Severus' reign, Petra reached its height but began to decline, possibly due to an invasion by the Sassanid Empire. The rise of Palmyra as a major trade hub also diverted much of Petra's trade, although it remained a significant religious center. Epiphanius of Salamis recorded festivals honoring the deities Khaabou and Dushara.
Roman interest persisted, with inscriptions to the god Liber Pater found at Qasr al-Bint, and Nabataean tombs featuring coins bearing Emperor Septimius Severus' image. Petra became a Roman colony under Emperor Elagabalus, and by the late 3rd century, the area was integrated into Palaestina Salutaris. Its importance is noted in the Madaba mosaic map from Emperor Justinian's reign.
During the Byzantine period
Petra experienced a significant decline during Roman rule, largely due to the shift towards sea-based trade routes. In 363 AD, a devastating earthquake destroyed many structures and severely damaged the city's crucial water systems. Despite this, Petra remained important as the capital of the Byzantine province of Palaestina III, and excavations have uncovered several churches from this period. Among them, the Byzantine Church stands out, where 140 papyri dating from the 530s to 590s were found, indicating that Petra continued to thrive into the 6th century.
The last known mention of Byzantine Petra appears in The Spiritual Meadow by John Moschus in the early 7th century, where he shares an anecdote about the city's bishop, Athenogenes. Petra eventually lost its status as a metropolitan bishopric before 687 AD, when this role was transferred to Areopolis. The city is notably absent from accounts of the Muslim conquest of the Levant and early Islamic historical records.
During Crusaders and Mamluks
During the 12th century, the Crusaders constructed fortifications around Petra, including the notable Alwaeira Castle. However, they were eventually forced to abandon the area, leading to Petra's gradual disappearance from historical maps. Two additional Crusader-era castles are still known today: al-Wu'ayra, located north of Wadi Musa, and el-Habis, positioned in the heart of Petra near the Qasr al-Bint. Al-Wu'ayra was briefly seized by local Muslims and Turks, but the Crusaders regained control after threatening the locals' olive groves, essential to their livelihood.
After the Crusaders' departure, Petra slipped into obscurity until its rediscovery in the 19th century. Despite its fading prominence, Petra continued to attract occasional interest during the Middle Ages, including a visit by Baibars, a Mamluk Sultan of Egypt, in the late 13th century, marking one of the few recorded interactions with the site during this period.
The Petra during the 19th and 20th centuries
In 1812, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt became the first European to document Petra. While traveling in the region, Burckhardt, fluent in Arabic, heard tales of a forgotten city believed to house the tomb of the Prophet Aaron. Intrigued by these stories, he disguised himself as a local, sacrificing a goat at Aaron's Tomb to maintain his cover. After just a day of exploring, Burckhardt was convinced he had rediscovered the ancient city of Petra.
Early European Explorations (1828-1839)
Following Burckhardt's discovery, French explorers Léon de Laborde and Louis-Maurice-Adolphe Linant de Bellefonds created the first accurate drawings of Petra in 1828. A decade later, Scottish painter David Roberts visited Petra in 1839 and captured its grandeur through sketches, which he published in his renowned work The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, and Nubia. These depictions brought further attention to Petra in Europe.
Artistic and Photographic Depictions (1868-1909)
In 1868, American landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church visited Petra, producing the famous painting El Khasné, Petra, solidifying its importance in Western art. Later, missionary Archibald Forder published photographs of Petra in National Geographic in 1909, further increasing the site's global recognition.
Early Excavations and Surveys (1929)
In 1929, a team of archaeologists, including British explorers Agnes Conway and George Horsfield, Palestinian expert Tawfiq Canaan, and Danish scholar Ditlef Nielsen, conducted some of the first official excavations at Petra. Their efforts helped uncover and preserve many of the ancient structures, despite damage and looting over the centuries.
Continued Archaeological Research (1940s-1980s)
Philip Hammond, an archaeologist from the University of Utah, spent nearly 40 years studying Petra. He explored the local legends, including the belief that Moses created the site by striking a rock to produce water for the Israelites. Hammond also investigated the city's intricate water systems, which featured channels carved into the rock and ceramic pipes.
Bedouin Relocation and Tourism Development (1980s)
In the 1980s, the Jordanian government relocated the Bedouin inhabitants of Petra to the nearby settlement of Umm Sayhoun as part of efforts to promote tourism. This relocation, spanning two decades, helped protect Petra's ruins while providing the Bedouins with a more permanent home.
Byzantine Scroll Discoveries (1993)
In 1993, archaeologists discovered a collection of Byzantine-era Greek scrolls near the Temple of the Winged Lions in Petra. These scrolls, found in an ancient church, provide valuable insights into Petra's history during the Byzantine period.
Exterior Appearance and Layout
Petra lies next to Jabal Al-Madbah in a basin surrounded by mountains, forming part of the Arabah Valley between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. The Nabataeans ingeniously controlled the city's water supply, transforming it into an artificial oasis in the desert. Despite flash floods in the region, they built dams, cisterns, and water conduits, ensuring water storage during droughts, which contributed to Petra's prosperity.
Historically, Petra could be accessed from the south, near Jabal Haroun, believed to be the burial site of Aaron, or from the northern plateau. Today, most visitors enter from the east, passing through the narrow Siq gorge, a stunning natural passage that leads into the heart of the ancient city.
Hellenistic architecture of Petra
Petra is renowned for its Hellenistic-style architecture, evident in the design of its rock-carved tomb facades. These facades reflect the influence of various cultures the Nabataeans encountered through trade, many of which were shaped by Greek culture. The tombs often feature small burial niches carved into the stone.
The Treasury is one of the finest examples of Hellenistic architecture in Petra, standing 24 meters wide and 37 meters tall. Its facade includes a broken pediment, a central tholos, and obelisks, with figures like Castor and Pollux, protectors of travelers, carved near the base. At the top, two victories flank a female figure, believed to represent Isis-Tyche, combining Egyptian and Greek influences.
Another significant monument is the Monastery, Petra's largest structure at 45 meters tall and 50 meters wide. Its facade mirrors the Treasury with a broken pediment and tholos but incorporates more Nabataean elements. It served as a Christian worship site during the Byzantine era and remains a pilgrimage destination today.
The High Place of Sacrifice
The High Place of Sacrifice, located atop Jebel Madbah Mountain, is one of Petra's most significant religious sites. The ascent begins near Petra's theater, with an 800-step hike leading to the summit. This site was historically associated with various rituals, including libations and animal sacrifices. The annual sacrifice of a goat is believed to honor the Prophet Aaron, whose tomb is thought to be in Petra, making it a sacred site for Muslims. Other rituals, such as the burning of frankincense, were also performed here, adding to the site's religious importance.
The Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs of Petra showcase a Nabataean interpretation of Hellenistic architecture, though the facades have weathered over time. The Palace Tomb, one of the largest, is believed to be the burial site of Petra's kings. Adjacent to it is the Corinthian Tomb, which mirrors the Hellenistic design seen in the Treasury. Two other notable Royal Tombs are the Silk Tomb, with its vibrant stone colors, and the Urn Tomb, which features a large courtyard and was converted into a church in 446 AD during the spread of Christianity.
Newly Discovered Monumental Structure
In 2016, archaeologists uncovered a massive, previously unknown structure outside Petra using satellite imagery and drones. Dated to around 150 BC, when the Nabataeans began their public building projects, the structure is located at the base of Jabal an-Nmayr, about 0.5 miles south of Petra's city center. Unlike other buildings, it faces east and has no apparent connection to the city itself. The structure consists of a large platform, 184 by 161 feet, with a monumental staircase on its eastern side. Inside, a smaller platform supports a modest building, 28 by 28 feet. While its exact purpose remains unclear, researchers believe the structure likely served a ceremonial function.
Petra is more than just a historical site; it's a journey through time, where ancient architecture, fascinating myths, and stunning landscapes converge. From the awe-inspiring Treasury to the sacred High Place of Sacrifice, every corner of Petra tells a unique story. With Sun Pyramids Tours, you'll experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site like never before, with expert guides bringing the city's rich history to life. Don't miss the chance to explore one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Book your Petra adventure with Sun Pyramids Tours today!
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