Petra
The Enchanting Rose City of Jordan
Nestled in the rugged mountains of southern Jordan, Petra stands as a testament to the architectural genius and cultural richness of ancient civilizations. Known as the "Rose City," Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This remarkable city, carved into the red sandstone cliffs, offers a glimpse into the past and leaves visitors in awe of its grandeur.
The origins of Petra date back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement in the area since the Neolithic period. The site's early name was Garshu, but it is believed to have been re-founded and expanded by different civilizations throughout history. Tradition attributes its establishment to Alexander the Great or his general Perdiccas, but it was the Seleucid king Antiochus IV who renamed it Antioch ad Chrysorhoas during the Hellenistic era.
The Roman city of Gerasa, as it was later known, flourished as a prosperous trading center and a member of the Decapolis league during the 1st century AD. It underwent significant urban planning and development during this period, resulting in a cityscape of remarkable architectural achievements.
The heart of Petra is the Cardo, a colonnaded main street that stretches from the south to the north. At the southern end of the Cardo lies the Oval Piazza, a distinctive feature consisting of two unequal parabolas joined by a straight line. The larger of the two theaters, with seating for approximately 3,000 spectators, overlooks the piazza. Nearby, the temple of Zeus stands as a testament to the city's religious significance, with its Hellenistic lower terrace and a 2nd-century AD remodeled version on the hill above.
The city's main thoroughfare, the Cardo, underwent expansions and enhancements during the 2nd century, featuring grand Corinthian columns and the addition of the North and South Decumanus cross-streets. Other notable structures include the octagonal macellum or food market, the smaller theater or odeon south of the North Decumanus, and two large bathhouses situated to the east in residential areas.
The crowning jewel of Petra is the magnificent temple of Artemis, dedicated to the city's patron goddess. Built and expanded between the late 1st and mid-2nd centuries, the temple dominates the landscape and is surrounded by a wide temenos. Visitors approach the temple through a monumental gate and stairway, experiencing a sense of awe and reverence.
The origins of Petra date back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement in the area since the Neolithic period. The site's early name was Garshu, but it is believed to have been re-founded and expanded by different civilizations throughout history. Tradition attributes its establishment to Alexander the Great or his general Perdiccas, but it was the Seleucid king Antiochus IV who renamed it Antioch ad Chrysorhoas during the Hellenistic era.
The Roman city of Gerasa, as it was later known, flourished as a prosperous trading center and a member of the Decapolis league during the 1st century AD. It underwent significant urban planning and development during this period, resulting in a cityscape of remarkable architectural achievements.
The heart of Petra is the Cardo, a colonnaded main street that stretches from the south to the north. At the southern end of the Cardo lies the Oval Piazza, a distinctive feature consisting of two unequal parabolas joined by a straight line. The larger of the two theaters, with seating for approximately 3,000 spectators, overlooks the piazza. Nearby, the temple of Zeus stands as a testament to the city's religious significance, with its Hellenistic lower terrace and a 2nd-century AD remodeled version on the hill above.
The city's main thoroughfare, the Cardo, underwent expansions and enhancements during the 2nd century, featuring grand Corinthian columns and the addition of the North and South Decumanus cross-streets. Other notable structures include the octagonal macellum or food market, the smaller theater or odeon south of the North Decumanus, and two large bathhouses situated to the east in residential areas.
The crowning jewel of Petra is the magnificent temple of Artemis, dedicated to the city's patron goddess. Built and expanded between the late 1st and mid-2nd centuries, the temple dominates the landscape and is surrounded by a wide temenos. Visitors approach the temple through a monumental gate and stairway, experiencing a sense of awe and reverence.
During the Byzantine period, Petra saw the construction of several churches, utilizing recycled Roman building materials. However, the city's glory days were waning when it faced devastation from the Persian invasion in 614. After the Arab conquest in 636, Petra became an Umayyad regional center, minting coins and boasting a splendid Friday Mosque under Caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan (685-705). Yet, the city gradually declined into obscurity after the 749 earthquake and the shift of the Caliphate to Baghdad.
In the early 19th century, the ruins of Petra were rediscovered by Ulrich Seetzen, a German scholar, sparking the interest of Western travelers. Today, Petra continues to captivate visitors with its extraordinary architectural achievements and the sheer wonder of its hidden treasures. The modern town of Petra, which developed on the other side of the valley, accommodates tourists, providing access to the ancient city.
When planning a visit to Petra, it is important to be mindful of the opening hours and accessibility information. The ticket window opens at 9:00 AM in winter and 8:00 AM in summer, closing at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM,
In the early 19th century, the ruins of Petra were rediscovered by Ulrich Seetzen, a German scholar, sparking the interest of Western travelers. Today, Petra continues to captivate visitors with its extraordinary architectural achievements and the sheer wonder of its hidden treasures. The modern town of Petra, which developed on the other side of the valley, accommodates tourists, providing access to the ancient city.
When planning a visit to Petra, it is important to be mindful of the opening hours and accessibility information. The ticket window opens at 9:00 AM in winter and 8:00 AM in summer, closing at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM,
