PETRA A homework assignment created by: Maria Papageorgiou Elektra Plematia and Daphni Doulaptsi

HISTORY Before Alexander the Great’s conquest, a new civilization appeared in Jordan. It seems that a nomadic tribe known as the Nabateans began migrating from Arabia during the 6th century BC. This tribe finally settled in Petra and carved magnificent buildings, temples and tombs out of sandstone rocks there. Their Empire grew quickly in the middle of the desert and the Nabateans learnt how to conserve water by building clams and canals. They were also excellent traders and Petra soon became one of the most important commercial cities of the ancient world. Petra used to be the capital of the Nabateans and the capital of trade in the region as well.

Petra (which is the Greek word for rock) or the Rose City, is a historical and archeological city. It was also known as a major caravan-city, during Hellenistic and Roman times. It is located in Jordan between the Dead sea and the Red Sea; its distance is about 80 kilometers from the Dead Sea. Surrounded by mountains, it also has many passages and gorges. It was initially located at a junction used by China, India, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Syria and Southern Arabia for trading spices and silk, among other products. It is carved directly into red, white and pink sandstone cliffs. For many years it stayed unknown to the Western world, when in 1812 a Swiss explorer (Johann Ludwig Burckhardt ) introduced it to the rest of the world.

The city’s alternative name is the “Rose City”, due to its colour.There are several other colours of rock which range from pale yellow to white or colours that range from red to dark brown.

By creating a water conduit system the Nabataeans were able to control the water supply, which led to the rise of the desert city and which created an oasis in the middle of the desert. In effect, they managed to have enough water to support around 30,000 people. What was impressive was the fact that there was so much water in this desert region to allow the maintenance of lush gardens.

The Arab people of Petra became wealthy and prosperous because of their trade abilities. They did not gain their power as a result of war (force). CULTURAL FACTS OF PETRA Primarily, the Nabataeans were farmers. They cultivated vines and olive trees and bred camels, sheep, goats and horses. The Nabataeans were a literate people who spoke a dialect of Aramaic, the language of biblical times, and samples of their beautiful calligraphy can be seen carved into the rock face of Petra.

Although it has survived millions of threats through the years and an earthquake in 363 which destroyed many of the buildings and caused major damage to the water system, it is now in greater danger because of tourism. Tourism has increased ever since the site received widespread media coverage in 2007 during the controversial New Seven Wonders of the World Internet and cell phone campaign.

John William Burgon wrote a poem about Petra in He had never visited the city but he had heard it being described as the inaccessible city. In fact, he was the first to refer to Petra as the Rose-Red city. Many films have featured Petra but the most famous of all would have to be “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Many scenes show the great buildings of Petra. Petra appears in many novels as well. In Blue Balliett’s novel, “Chasing Vermeer”, the character Petra Andalee is named after the site.

PETRA … A TRUE PETRA … A TRUE WONDER!