The once-thriving trade center was settled in the 4th century BCE.
Located in the desert canyons of southwestern Jordan, Petra was the capital of the ancient Nabataean civilization.
Stretching over 102 square miles, Petra is an incredible site that attracted over one million tourists in 2019.
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Astoundingly, what we see today is just a fraction of what the ancient city has to offer.
A long, curving gorge known as theSiqis a prelude to what awaits.
Literally translating to the shaft, the three-quarters of a mile long trek builds anticipation for what lies ahead.
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Decorations that include a carved camel and niches that would have held Baetylussculptural embodiments of godsadorn the path.
Soon enough, the first glimpse of Petra’s famous architecture will appear.
However, this was not the city’s original name, as the Nabataeans referred to it asRaqmu.
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These influences were incorporated into their religion and culture.
Petra is an incredible expression of their wealth and power.
At one time, it was home to 30,000 people.
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In fact, it’s possible to see the influence of Roman architecture throughout Petra.
That all changed in the 19th century when Swiss explorerJohann Ludwig Burckhardtdiscovered the ruins.
This paved the way for its beauty to be known across the globe.
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Though it’s called the Treasury, the structure is actually a tomb.
However, King Aretas IV, who ruled between 9 BCE and 40 CE, is a likely candidate.
In fact, they were so sure that they continuously shot at it hoping to release the treasure.
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After that, the name stuck.
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