Petra — This Fascinating Once-Lost City Is Now A World Wonder

Often known as the Rose Metropolis, the prehistoric metropolis of Petra is an unbelievable spectacle that one should see to consider. The once-thriving commerce middle was settled within the 4th century BCE. Its structure, which is carved into the purple sandstone cliffs, has helped make it one of many New 7 Wonders of the World. Positioned within the desert canyons of southwestern Jordan, Petra was the capital of the traditional Nabataean civilization.

Stretching over 102 sq. miles, Petra is an unbelievable website that attracted over a million vacationers in 2019. Astoundingly, what we see as we speak is only a fraction of what the traditional metropolis has to supply. Archeologists have solely excavated 15% of the positioning, so an incredible 85% of it’s nonetheless buried underground.

For individuals who have by no means visited, you should still be accustomed to Petra due to its function on the silver display. Movies like Indiana Jones and the Final Campaign, The Mummy Returns, and Aladin have all used its distinctive archeology as a backdrop.

Petra:  Photo Gallery  |  Locations  |  Maps

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Right now, when individuals method the positioning, they will discover themselves following the identical path that merchants and guests have been utilizing since Petra was created. A protracted, curving gorge often called the Siq is a prelude to what awaits. Actually translating to “the shaft,” the three-quarters of a mile lengthy trek builds anticipation for what lies forward. Decorations that embrace a carved camel and niches that might have held Baetylus—sculptural embodiments of gods—adorn the trail.

Although it could seem to be a protracted stroll to get to the primary motion, it is nicely value soaking within the second. Quickly sufficient, the primary glimpse of Petra’s well-known structure will seem.

The Nabataeans

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The Nabataeans had been a nomadic Bedouin tribe that traversed the Arabian desert and created Petra. They emerged as a political energy between the 2nd and 4th centuries BCE and set about constructing their capital, which we now name Petra. Nevertheless, this was not the town’s authentic identify, because the Nabataeans referred to it as Raqmu.

Nabataean tradition gained wealth and stability due to its management over a buying and selling community that was important to the traditional world. Due to their involvement in commerce, they had been uncovered to and influenced by completely different cultures from the Mediterranean and Arab world. These influences had been integrated into their faith and tradition.

Petra is an unbelievable expression of their wealth and energy. At one time, it was residence to 30,000 individuals. Because of its strategic location, it was a troublesome metropolis to beat, and later, when the Nabataeans had been overcome by the Romans, it solely continued to increase. In reality, it is doable to see the affect of Roman structure all through Petra.

The Nabataean kingdom continued to thrive for a number of centuries after it was annexed into the Roman kingdom in 106 CE. However ultimately, for causes that are not fairly clear, they fell into squalor and their land was divided up amongst completely different Arab kingdoms.

The Rediscovery of Petra

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In 1812 a Swiss explorer named Johannes Burckhardt set out to ‘rediscover’ Petra; he dressed up as an Arab and convinced his Bedouin guide to take him to the lost city, After this, Petra became increasingly known in the West as a fascinating and beautiful ancient city, and it began attracting visitors and continues to do so today.

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Despite being situated in a deep canyon in the isolation of Wadi Musa, standing beside the impressive columns of the Treasury ignites feelings of being transported to an ancient city plaza and it is easy to imagine the daily hustle and bustle that would have once characterized this Holy city. It was a very precious site in the years of its inhabitation and held many priceless artifacts, religious pieces and treasures. Sadly, after a series of severe earthquakes around 1BC and 8AD, Petra was raided, half the city was destroyed and most of these ancient treasures were stolen from the site. The site was left essentially abandoned by the end of the Byzantine period.

Over 200 years have passed since the rediscovery of the Lost City, but still, archaeologists are uncovering the sheer magnitude of the site. In 2016, satellite imagery found a previously undiscovered monumental structure hidden beneath the vast sands of Petra. Archaeologists have theorized that the newly revealed structure most likely had a ceremonial function, as it consists of a large platform, or stage, and is unique in contrast to any other of the buildings currently standing in Petra. It goes to show that history is still being written for this magnificent ‘Rock City’.

Al Khazneh

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When visiting this ancient city in Jordan, Petra, take into consideration the sheer size of the Archaeological Park itself, which is set in over 2,500 acres and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to see all the highlights, and if time allows, why not explore further and venture off from the beaten path. No motor vehicles are permitted within the site, although horse carts, donkeys and camels are available if you want to feel like a real Petran! Photographers are always deeply enthused at the prospect of visiting Petra; as the wonderful array of colours from the rock and the gentle lights come late afternoon give themselves to the most fantastic atmospheric photo opportunities. Jordan is an exciting and infinitely interesting destination to visit, but Petra is a truly the highlight for anyone with an admiration for the romance of ancient times.

Photo: Stock Photos from Aleksandra H. Kossowska/Shutterstock

Although the first images that spring to mind when one thinks of Petra are of the glorious façade of the Pharaoh’s Treasury Mausoleum, as seen in Hollywood blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and The Mummy Returns, there is more to Petra than the intricately carved buildings that can be seen from the outside. Inside the rocks, the city sprawls out across tunnels and whole rooms materialize inside of the sandstone, their walls marbled with the red and orange hues of the natural rock. More than 500 buildings survive in the ancient city of Petra today, mostly tombs and mausoleums alongside the fantastically impressive Treasury and the huge Monastery.

Today, millions flock to drink in the majestic architecture of Petra and marvel at the prehistoric society that left behind such a big impression.

Photo: Stock Photos from Truba7113/Shutterstock

The Nabataeans buried their dead in intricate tombs that were cut out of the mountain sides and the city also had temples, a theater, and following the Roman annexation and later the Byzantine influence, a colonnaded street and churches.

In addition to the magnificent remains of the Nabataean city, human settlement and land use for over 10,000 years can be traced in Petra, where great natural, cultural, archaeological and geological features merge.

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On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site,, also Petra was chosen by the Smithsonian Magazine as one of the 28 places you should visit them before you die.

Renowned for its charm and ancient cultural heritage, Petra marks the achievement of an impressive civilization, the Nabataean Arabs, who perfectly carved the city into its mountains. It was considered the most important strategic location as a link and point of convergence between the Arabian Peninsula to the south and the Levant in the north, to the far country of China and to the heart of Europe through siq.

Photo: Stock Photos from upslim/Shutterstock

Petra represents a central convergence of the old trading roads between the Arabian Peninsula, Levant, China and Europe.

The Siq is the main road that lies between the city’s rose colored mountains, which stand at a height of 80m and reach up to 1.2 Km at the end of the Siq. When sightseeing, visitors will be astounded by the sight of the Treasury, which represents the masterpiece of the ancient city with a height of up to 45m and width of 30m, all of which is carved into the mountain.

The city dates back to the first century AD and its design reflects the advance of the Nabataean civilization

On July 7, 2007 Petra was announced as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and has become the perfect and best tourist destination for many leaders and celebrities around the world.

Graduates At Kyoto University Are Allowed To Put On Any Outfit To Receive Diploma, And Here Are 20 Pics Of Their Best Apparel

What comes to your mind when you see or hear the word “graduation”? You might think of students sporting all black, with mortarboards and graduation gowns. Perhaps, you’ll also imagine them falling in line, waiting for their names to be called to receive their diploma.

But that’s boring! Most graduations in the world are so monotonous that they’re quite predictable. So the folks out there at the University of Kyoto decided to put a twist on their graduation rites by allowing their students to dress up however they like. The results? Well, if we hadn’t told you the context, you would think they’re Halloween costume parties! Scroll down below to see the most extravagant costumes these students students wore to their graduation!

More info: University of Kyoto

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