Petra: The fascination of an ancient city carved in the mountains of Jordan
The city is an archaeological region of great importance, where its entire structure was meticulously carved in sandstone. The impressive ruins that have withstood the passing of centuries extol an unparalleled beauty. Additionally, Petra is frequently selected as a location for films and film productions.
The city was originally known to the Nabataeans as Raqmu - Photo Playback/Getty Images
Petra is a historic city located in southern Jordan that has been attracting visitors from all over the world for over 2,000 years. The city was carved in the rocky mountains of red sandstone from the Arab nation impressively. She was one important trade route linking the Middle East to Europe and Asia. Nowadays it is considered an archaeological treasure, being mentioned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
History
The history of Petra dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was established by the tribe of the Nabataeans. The tribe is famous for its remarkable expertise in building efficient water catchment systems in arid desert regions, as well as its exceptional ability to carve structures out of solid rock.
The city flourished in the first centuries of the Christian era, when it served as an important commercial center. After the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity, Petra began to slowly fade, with earthquakes and changes in trade routes. During the reign of Constantine, Petra enjoyed a period of prosperity until the year 363, when an earthquake, known as the earthquake of Galilee, devastated almost half of the city. However, the city was not completely destroyed. After this earthquake, many of the "old" buildings were demolished and reused in the construction of new structures, especially churches and public buildings.
In the year 551, a second earthquake, more severe than the previous one, almost completely devastated the city of Petra. This catastrophe prevented the recovery of the city, since the alteration of the commercial routes included the interest in its function as a commercial warehouse. It ended up being abandoned and forgotten for many centuries. Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Since then, it has become a tourist icon in Jordan, receiving more than one million visitors a year. Tourists travel from all over the world to explore the temples, theaters, palaces and monasteries that make up the historic city.
Photo Playback/Getty Images
On December 6, 1985, UNESCO recognized Petra as World Heritage. In 2004, the Jordanian government signed a contract with a British company to build a highway that would facilitate access to Petra, both for scholars and tourists. On July 7, 2007, at Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, Petra was elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
City
petra is located on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah, also known as the Biblical Mount, located in a basin between the mountains that make up the eastern flank of Arabah (Wadi Araba), a vast valley that extends from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.
To get to Petra, visitors walk through a narrow gorge called Siq, over a kilometer long, surrounded by rocky walls up to 80 meters high. At the end of the Siq, the most iconic image of Petra appears: the Treasury (Al Khazneh), an imposing construction carved in stone, decorated with carvings and reliefs. This image is so famous internationally that it has become the location for films such as 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'.
Once inside the city, tourists have the opportunity to explore a variety of locations. Among them, the Roman Theater stands out, which can accommodate up to 3,000 people and was carved into the mountainside, overlooking the entire city. There is also the Monastery (AlSay), which is at the top of the mountain and can be reached by a challenging trail. Another mandatory stop is the Temple of the Winged Lions, built by the Nabataeans in honor of their gods.
In addition, tourists can enjoy local cuisine, including dishes such as lamb rice and hummus, or shop at one of the many souvenir shops and stalls.
Visiting Petra is an unforgettable and unique experience that transports visitors to a different time and place. The millennial city is a true archaeological marvel that reminds us of all the grandeur and splendor of ancient civilization, making us appreciate the history and culture of humanity even more.
