Petra

The city of Petra is located in the south of Jordan (Arabian Peninsula). In the 1st century B.C., the Nabateans (its inhabitants) were civilized nomads who had formed caravans for trading species, fabrics and incense. In Petra there are approximately 3,000 gigantic tombs carved out of the rocks, which are decorated with paintings and stucco. They are important because with them, their kings and leaders were commemorated. Its environment is composed of deserts, cliffs and steep rocks. After a time when there was a political and economic decadence, the Swiss Burckhardt explored Petra's landscape, finding great riches. Nabateans took adavantage of these natural reaches by using the amazing springs for crops and gardens. Commercial demand was centered in Greece, Egypt and especially Rome, because of this the architecture, the streets and the entrance of Petra took a completely Roman style (1st century BC). In the year 106 an urban planning had already been established in the city, there was a single wide and straight road heading to the Central Market adorned with columns. At this time, wheel vehicles were able to import limestones from the quarries. This way, Petra became an urban center.



Awe- inspiring monuments Harnessed precious water Extraordinary desert city Remarkable published Accounts