Petra: The Lost City of Stone and Ancient Wonders of Jordan

Petra is one of the most beautiful and mysterious ancient cities in the world. It is located in the country of Jordan, in the Middle East. Petra is also known as the “Rose City” because of the pink color of the stone from which it is carved. The entire city is made of rock-cut architecture, which means the buildings and temples were carved directly into the mountains.

Petra: The Lost City of Stone

This city is more than 2,000 years old and was once a very important place for traders and travelers. Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It attracts people from all around the world who want to see its beauty and learn about its history.

The History of Rose City

Who Built Petra?

Petra was built by a group of people called the Nabataeans. They were ancient Arab tribes who lived in the desert. The Nabataeans were very smart and skilled in building and trading. Around the 4th century BCE, they started building Petra as their capital city.

They chose this place because it was hidden in the mountains and protected from enemies. It was also located on important trade routes, which made it easier to do business with other parts of the world.

Petra as a Trade Center

Petra became a rich and powerful city because it was in the middle of the trade routes between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Traders from many different places came here to buy and sell goods like spices, silk, perfumes, and incense.

The Nabataeans used the money from trade to build beautiful temples, tombs, and homes in Petra. They also built a smart water system to bring water from far away. This helped them live comfortably in the middle of the desert.

The Decline of Petra

This place stayed powerful for many years, but slowly its importance began to decline. In 106 CE, the Roman Empire took control of Petra. Even though the city was still used for a while, it was not as important as before.

Later, there were several earthquakes that damaged many buildings. Over time, people left the Rose city, and the city was forgotten by the outside world. It became a “lost city” hidden in the mountains.

Rediscovery of Petra

In 1812, a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered this ancient city. He dressed as an Arab traveler and tricked a local guide into showing him the way to the lost city. After that, people around the world became interested in Petra again.

Today, Petra is one of the most visited tourist places in the Middle East.

The Beauty and Architecture

The Siq – Gateway to Petra

To enter this Jordan’s treasure, visitors must walk through a narrow path called the Siq. It is a long, winding rock canyon that is about 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) long. The walls of the Siq are very high, around 80 meters (260 feet), and made of colorful sandstone.

Walking through the Siq is an exciting experience because you feel like you are stepping back in time. At the end of the Siq, you suddenly see the most famous building in Petra — the Treasury.

The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)

The Treasury is the most well-known and most photographed part of this ancient city. It is a huge and beautiful building carved into the rock. It is about 39 meters (128 feet) tall and looks like a giant temple with columns and statues.

Nobody knows exactly what the Treasury was used for, but it is believed to be a royal tomb or a temple. The name “Treasury” came from a legend that said it once held treasures of an ancient king.

The Street of Facades

After the Treasury, there is a path called the Street of Facades. Along this street, there are many tombs and houses carved into the rocks. These tombs were for the rich and powerful people of this Rose City. Each tomb has its own style and decoration.

The Royal Tombs

The Royal Tombs are some of the largest and grandest tombs in this ancient city. They include:

• The Urn Tomb
• The Silk Tomb
• The Corinthian Tomb
• The Palace Tomb

These tombs were probably built for kings or very important people. The colors of the rocks are especially beautiful here, with shades of pink, red, orange, and purple.

The Roman Theater

The Roman Theater in this ancient city was built by the Nabataeans but later improved by the Romans. It could seat about 3,000 to 8,000 people. This open-air theater was used for performances, meetings, and public events.

The Colonnaded Street

This street was once the center of rose city’s marketplace. It was lined with columns and shops on both sides. You can still see the ruins of temples, fountains, and markets along this street.

The Great Temple

The Great Temple was a large and important building in this ancient city. It was used for religious ceremonies and official meetings. Some parts of the temple have been rebuilt so that visitors can understand what it looked like in the past.

The Monastery (Ad-Deir)

The Monastery is another famous building in this ancient city. It looks like the Treasury but is even bigger. To reach the Monastery, visitors must climb about 850 steps up a mountain. The journey is tiring but worth it because of the view and the beauty of the Monastery.

Water System

One of the most amazing things about Petra is its water system.This ancient city is in the desert, so water is very hard to find. But the Nabataeans built a smart system of canals, pipes, and water tanks to collect and store rainwater. This helped them live and grow crops in the dry land.

This water system shows how intelligent and creative the Nabataeans were.

Culture and Religion

The Nabataeans followed a mix of religions. They worshipped gods and goddesses from Arab, Greek, and Roman cultures. Some of their main gods were Dushara (a male god) and Al-Uzza (a female goddess).

Many temples and altars were built for these gods. The Nabataeans also believed in life after death, which is why they built so many beautiful tombs.

Over time, when the Romans took over this ancient city, many people in the city also started to follow the Roman way of life and religion.

Rose City in Modern Times

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1985, Petra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that it is recognized as a very important cultural and historical place that needs to be protected.
• One of the New Seven Wonders: In 2007, Rose City was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This made it even more famous and brought more tourists from around the globe.
• Tourism and Economy: Tourism is very important for the economy of Jordan. Every year, thousands of tourists come to see this ancient city. This helps local people earn money through hotels, restaurants, guides, and shops.

The Jordanian government takes care of Rose City and works to protect it from damage due to too many visitors or natural weathering.

Best Time to Visit Petra

• Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather with blooming flowers.
• Autumn (September to November): Cool temperatures and clear skies.
• Summer can be very hot, and winter nights can be cold, so it’s better to avoid those seasons if possible.

Things to Do in Rose City

• Explore Rose City by foot or on horseback, camel, or donkey.
• Visit Petra by Night – a special light show at the Treasury with candles and traditional music.
• Take photographs of the stunning rock structures and colors.
• Enjoy local food such as falafel, hummus, and mansaf.
• Buy souvenirs like handmade jewelry, carpets, and perfumes.

Interesting Facts About Petra

• Petra means “rock” in Greek.
• Petra has been used as a filming location for movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
• Only about 15% of Petra has been uncovered – the rest is still underground.
• The Nabataeans built secret water tunnels to protect their city from attack.
• Petra’s rocks change color depending on the time of day.

  

The Rock Cut City is not just a city; it is a symbol of human creativity, intelligence, and beauty. From its stunning stone buildings to its smart water systems, everything about Petra is unique. It tells the story of a great civilization that lived thousands of years ago.

Today, Rose City stands as a reminder of the past and continues to inspire people from all over the world. Visiting Petra is like walking into history, surrounded by nature, mystery, and wonder. If you ever get the chance, make sure to visit Petra — the magical city of stone in the heart of Jordan.

Also Read: The Colosseum: An Epic Marvel of Ancient Roman Brilliance