PETRA: Virtual Tour

The beautiful sandstone formations of Petra were once occupied by the Edomites.

City forts, built on high mountain strongholds eventually gave way to the kingdom of the Nabateans around 300 BC.

Originally a nomadic people who made their living on the trading routes, the Nabateans settled into the security of the Petra canyon.

One of the reasons why Petra was such an attractive site for the Nabateans was because it was virtually hidden away behind a narrow and easily defensible canyon known as the Siq.

As you come to the end of this beautiful ravine, a very narrow opening offers a peephole to one of the most spectacular sites in Jordan - the treasury.

Carved out of the side of the sandstone mountain face probably in the first century BC, scholars debate as to it's actual function.

Whatever it's purpose, it would seem that the Nabateans wanted to make a good first impression to the visitors of their city.

Not a lot is known about the ancient culture of the Nabateans, except that they were excellent engineers.

With amazing skill and craft they built water conservation and irrigation systems and carved their homes, temples and tombs right out of the rock.

Is it a tomb or a house? Scholars debate on the question.

Unfortunately, the region suffered several severe earthquakes and the Nabateans eventually abandoned the site.

The local Bedouin merchants who attend the souvenir shops may be the descendants of the few who remained.

The beauty of the swirling sandstone,

the haunting echoes of the siq,

the intriguing remains of past civilizations,

the friendly Bedouin merchants,

and the warm desert sun make a day in Petra an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for visiting Petra!