The spectacular sandstone city of Petra
Did the Edomites build Petra?
The quarries were probably opened in this period, and there followed virtually continuous building through the first and second centuries CE. According to tradition, in ca. 1200 BCE, the Petra area (but not necessarily the site itself) was populated by Edomites and the area was known as Edom (“red”).
Was Petra built or carved?
Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock , and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges.
Why was the city of Petra abandoned?
In A.D. 363, Petra suffered another blow when a massive earthquake destroyed many of the city’s buildings and its water-supply system . This natural disaster marked a turning point for the Nabataeans. By A.D. 700, only a few people lived in and around Petra. Over time, the city was lost to the outside world.
Why is Petra called the Lost city?
It is thought to have been built around 312BC and was rediscovered in modern times by a Swiss explorer in 1812, who uncovered Petra beneath ancient layers of sand , hence the nickname, Lost City. ...
Why is Petra so special?
Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system , Petra is also called the “Red Rose City” because of the colour of the stone from which it is carved. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. ... Petra is a symbol of Jordan, as well as Jordan’s most-visited tourist attraction.
What is Petra in the Bible?
+3. Sela (Hebrew: סֶּלַע, transliteration Sela‛, meaning rock; Arabic: السلع, es-Sela‛; Greek: πέτρα, ‘Petra’; Latin: petra) is a geographical name encountered several times in the Hebrew Bible. Since, when used with article, it simply translates to “the rock” , it is unreasonable to connect it to just one location.
Why is Petra at risk?
Petra is also a very fragile site facing a wide diversity of risks , ranging from those posed by environmental factors, such as natural and geological hazards, as well as those attributed to tourism and the lack of adequate site management and emergency measures for tourist and monument safety.
How long was Petra abandoned?
The widely accepted notion of the “abandonment” of Petra
The only episode breaking this long period of abandonment in the narrative is the 50-60 year Crusader period in Petra (1130/40-1188), often mentioned as a period of revival, which is still witnessed by several castles.
How long did Petra take to build?
On the basis of discussions with Bedoul stone workers, and his own experience as an architect, R. calculates that “it would have taken approximately three years to complete el-Khazneh” (p. 71), one of the largest and certainly the most elaborate of the tomb facades at Petra.
Who carved out Petra?
The spectacular sandstone city of Petra was built in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans , who carved palaces, temples, tombs, storerooms and stables from the soft stone cliffs.
Is Petra a wonder of the world?
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. The city’s carved rose-red sandstone rock facades, tombs, and temples became known around the world with its appearance in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade in 1989.
Can you go inside Petra?
You can only enter Petra by buying tickets at the Petra visitors’ centre in Wadi Musa , the closest town. Once you’re at the site (2km from visitors’ centre), you enter through a rocky passage with very high walls called the Siq – you can do this on foot, or on horseback (horses are hired from the visitor centre).
Does Petra exist?
Petra is an ancient city that lies in present-day Jordan and dates back to the fourth century B.C. Ruins of the once-great metropolis and trading center now serve as an important archeologic site and tourist attraction.
Is Petra part of Israel?
Petra is the most popular tourist attraction in Jordan . Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is a Nabatean city that was lost for thousands of years. Only rediscovered in the 19th century, the site is a must-see destination for many travelers.
What religion is Petra?
Dushara, a Nabataean deity whose name means, “Lord of the Mountain”, he was widely worshiped in Petra. Dushara is venerated as a supreme god by the Nabataeans, oftentimes he is referred as “Dushara and all the gods”.
