PETRA

 petra, also know as the rose city, is a historical and archaeolgical city located in jordan
the city is renowned its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, wich allowed the people to access water form nearby spring

 the city was inhabited by the Nbaraens, a nomadic arab tribe, and beame one of the most important trading centers ib the middle east, connecting great empiressush as the Roman Empire, the greek empire, and the Arabian  peninsula

the city was know for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Treasury building, which was carved right the rocky cliffs. the site also features numerous tombs, temples , and buildings , all of which have intricate carvings and uniqe features.

the city was abandoned and eventually forgotten after a devastating reath quack in the 6th century, untill it was rediscovered by a swiss explore in 1812. today, petra is a UNESCO world Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist destinations in jordan, attracting visitors from all over to marvel at its breathaking beauty and incredible history.



LOST CITY OF PETRA 

by the beginning of the eighth century A.D , petra was largely abandoned and on longer a significant locaton commercially, politically and/or culturally.

Although no loger an important city, petra has been noted by historians and archeologists for its unique architecture as well as a specific innovation made by the Nabatean  Bedouins that established the city.

Given the rugged, mountainous terrain that surrounds it, Petra wouldn’t seem like a logical place to build a city, However , the Nabateans took advantage of this geography as they erected its key structures.

Using an early form of the technique known as rock-cut architecture, the Nabateans literally carved several of the city’s buildings out of the surrounding stone surfaces. As the Nabatean culture evolved, and as the Romans and the Byzantines later sought to leave their own marks on the city, the architecture of petra began to take on a mix of the different cultures that occupied it.

Large and ornate tombs built by the Nabateans eventually gave way to Christian churches constructed by the Byzantines, who considered petra the capital of the province of palaestina .

During this evolution, while the Romans ruled the city after the Nabateans and before the Byzantines, the Petra Roman Road was built. This served as the main thoroughfare of Petra, and ornate gates were built, in Roman style, to mark the entrance to the city .

However, the Nabateans’ influence over the city’s design and structure was not ncompletely eliminted by its subsequent rulers .

Water Harvesting


As desert dwellers, the Nabateans had long struggled during seasons in which rainfall in the region was limited. When the tribe built Petra, though, they developed a unique system of conduits, dams and cisterns to harvest, store and distribute rainwater for year-round use.


At certain times of year, the area around the city was prone to flooding. However, the Nabateans were able to effectively control these floods using dams and, therefore, the city’s water supply.


This meant that they could reside in the city even during periods of drought. It also improved the crop yields of Nabatean farmers.



Petra Today

After the eighth century, when Petra was largely abandoned as a trading center, its stone structures were used for shelter by nomadic shepherds for several centuries.


Then, in 1812, the unique ruins of Petra were “discovered” by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. He described the ruins of the once-great city in chronicles of his travels.


With the western world now aware of their existence, they soon attracted the interest of architects and scholars, among others. Starting in 1929, British archaeologists Agnes Conway and George Horsfield, as well as scholars Tawfiq Canaan and Ditlef Nielsen, launched a formal project to excavate and survey Petra.


Numerous findings have been made in the decades since, including the 1993 discovery of Greek scrolls dating to the Byzantine period as well as the more recent documentation via satellite imaging of a previously unknown monumental structure buried beneath the sands of the area.


When Petra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra Bedouin tribespeople who had made homes for themselves within the city’s remaining ruins were forcibly relocated by the Jordanian government.


In the early 2000s, the site was named one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World,” leading to a spike in tourism. Since then, efforts have been made to protect the ruins of Petra from heavy tourism, as well as damage from floods, rain and other environmental factors.



If you are planning to visit Petra, there are plenty of enjoyable and exciting activities you can do. Here are some activities you can do in Petra:


1- Visit the Treasury: The Treasury is the most famous landmark in Petra, and it is a massive hall carved into the rock dating back to the first century AD. You can climb up to the Treasury after climbing the main stairs and enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding valley.


2- Take a walking tour: You can take a walking tour in Petra to explore the various archaeological sites and learn about the city's history. You can also enjoy the numerous stunning natural landscapes in the area.


3- Take a camel ride: You can also enjoy a camel ride in Petra, where you can admire the charming natural scenery in the area.


4- Visit the Temple of Artemis: The Temple of Artemis is one of the important archaeological sites in Petra. It is a temple dating back to the first century AD and contains many ancient engravings and statues.


5- Enjoy local cuisine: You can taste the local cuisine in many restaurants and cafes in Petra, where you can experience delicious traditional dishes such as Mansaf and seafood.


These are some of the activities you can do in Petra, and there are certainly more things to explore in this wonderful city.


The period from March to May and from September to November are considered the best times to visit Petra. These periods are particularly suitable for visiting due to the moderate weather conditions, which are ideal for outdoor tourism activities. Temperatures during these periods reach around 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to around 10-15 degrees Celsius at night.



Moreover, it is best to avoid visiting during the hot and dry summer season, which extends from June to August, where average temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius and can reach 40 degrees Celsius on some days. Additionally, temperatures in the winter season, which extends from December to February, can be very cold and not suitable for outdoor tourism activities.


treasury in Petra

Treasury is a famous archaeological landmark located in the city of Petra, Jordan. Also known as "the Royal Treasury" and "Pharaoh's Treasury," it is a massive hall carved into the rock dating back to the 1st century AD. It is located near the main entrance to the city and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Jordan.


The Treasury was built from the solid pink rock found in the area, and its height reaches over 40 meters. It is characterized by its front façade decorated with stunning artistic engravings and decorations, representing the classic style of Nabatean art.



Scientists believe that the Treasury was used as a main tomb for the Nabatean king's family who ruled Petra during the 1st century AD. It is believed that the treasure was placed inside the Treasury, but it has not been found yet.



The Treasury is one of the most important tourist attractions in Jordan, attracting many visitors from all over the world to enjoy this wonderful archaeological landmark. The Jordanian government offers many guided tours for visitors to visit the Treasury and enjoy the experience of this magnificent site.


Walking tour of the Siq

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the stunning natural landscapes in Wadi Rum. There are many different hiking trails in Wadi Rum that suit all fitness levels, including:


Petra - Wadi Rum Trail: This trail extends for 50 kilometers, stretching from Petra to Wadi Rum. It is famous for its breathtaking views and diverse natural landscapes.


Diplomatic Trail: This trail extends for 14 kilometers, stretching from Wadi Rum Village to Rahma Canyon. The trail passes through many stunning natural landscapes and archaeological sites, such as the Karak Castle and the Kazneh Temple.


Qattarani Trail: This trail extends for 10 kilometers, stretching from Wadi Rum Village to Qattarani. The trail passes through many beautiful valleys and stunning natural landscapes.


There are many options available for travelers who want to go hiking in Wadi Rum, including guided tours and wilderness safaris. Travelers who want to undertake longer hiking trips can contact local travel and tourism companies for more information and arrangements.


The best times for hiking in the Siq of Petra are from March to May and from September to November. These periods offer moderate weather conditions that are ideal for outdoor activities. During these periods, temperatures range from around 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to around 10-15 degrees Celsius at night.


It is best to avoid hiking during the hot and dry summer season from June to August when temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, winter temperatures can be very cold and not suitable for outdoor activities.


It's important to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing while hiking in Petra and avoid midday hikes when temperatures are at their highest. Bringing enough water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during the hike is also crucial.


 there are some additional tips that can be followed to make hiking in the Siq of Petra more exciting and safe. Here are some more tips:


Pre-planning: It is important to pre-plan the hiking route and know the distance, difficulty, and expected time to reach different destinations.


Maintain cleanliness: It is important to maintain cleanliness and not litter in the Siq while preserving the natural environment.


Ensure safety: Wear appropriate shoes and check the condition of equipment before the hike. It is also important to be cautious when climbing rocks and moving on hard surfaces.


Preserve culture: It is important to preserve the culture and respect the cultural and historical heritage of Petra.


Maintain health: It is important to maintain good health and fitness, avoid overexertion, take regular breaks, and consume food and water regularly.


Enjoy nature: It is important to enjoy nature and the beautiful scenery, take pictures, and enjoy the beautiful moments.

Camel ride

Camel riding in Petra is a wonderful and enjoyable experience that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature and history in this magnificent archaeological site. Visitors can choose between a short or long tour on the camel's back, and enjoy stunning views of the colorful rocks and facades carved into the rock, while listening to the stories and tales told by local tour guides.


While camel riding provides visitors with a comfortable way to explore the site, it also gives them the opportunity to enjoy traditional Arab atmosphere and learn about traditional Bedouin way of life. Visitors can also take amazing photos that combine the beauty of nature and the rich cultural heritage of this famous tourist site.


In addition, camel riding in Petra has a special and romantic character that makes it an unforgettable experience, where visitors can enjoy the romantic atmosphere and the breathtaking natural beauty of this unique site. Surely, camel riding in petra will leave unforgettable memories for visitors provide them a fun and impressive experience in this enchanting archaeological site.