Uncovering the Secrets of Petra, Jordan: The Lost City of the Nabateans

Petra, Jordan, is a city shrouded in secrecy and legends. Known as the Lost City of the Nabateans, Petra was once a thriving metropolis that served as a crucial hub of trade and commerce. Today, it is one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. But as breathtaking as this city is, there is still a veil of mystery around it. This is much more than just a tourist spot — it’s a place where history can be felt in all corners of it. 

History of Petra, Jordan

The Nabateans, a nomadic tribe from Arabia, settled in the area in the fourth century BC, beginning Petra’s history. Petra swiftly established itself as a hub of trade and commerce thanks to its advantageous location alongside the trade routes that connected the Mediterranean region with the Arabian Peninsula, India, and China.

Petra thrived through the centuries as its citizens crafted beautiful temples, tombs, and other buildings out of the sandstone cliffs that encircled the city. But, new trade routes that bypassed Petra emerged, and trading patterns changed. Sadly, the city’s fortunes began to fall in the third century AD.

The Secrets of Petra, Jordan

One of the main reasons people visit Petra is because of its spectacular architecture, which showcases its long past. There are hundreds of tombs, temples, and other buildings in the city. Many of which are cut directly into the cliffs. One of the most well-known of them is the Treasury. This is a breathtaking temple built into the rock face that doubled as a Nabatean king’s mausoleum. 

The Nabatean water supply system, which consists of water channels and cisterns, is another remarkable aspect of Petra. Petra has a steady water supply despite being in a desert area because of the sophisticated hydraulic engineering methods used by the Nabateans. And its even possible to tour these systems. Trust me, it’s much more exciting than it sounds at first.

Petra is home to a lot of remarkable archaeological treasures in addition to its impressive architecture and water management system. They include pottery, coinage, and other artifacts that shed light on the daily activities and culture of the Nabateans. 

Touring Petra, Jordan 

Petra is currently one of the most well-liked tourist spots in the Middle East. So it’s no wonder that it draws tourists from all over the globe. But keep in mind that spending at least two days exploring Petra is essential if you want to fully grasp its undeniable magic.

Hiking through the Siq, a rocky canyon that leads to Petra, is one of the best ways to experience the city. Towering cliffs will surround you as you move through the Siq, and while you do so, you’ll get occasional glimpses of Petra’s impressive architecture. When you finally reach the city, you can visit the many temples, tombs, and other monuments. 

The Monastery, another spectacular structure that is located at the top of a winding staircase, is also accessible by hike if you’re feeling particularly brave. After you reach the top, you’ll be able to enjoy some mesmerizing views of Petra and its surroundings from this unique monument.