Petra, Jordan

Petra is an historic and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Archaeological work has only discovered evidence of Nabataean presence dating back to the second century BC, by which time Petra had become their capital. The Nabataeans were nomadic Arabs who invested in it as a major regional trading hub. Most of Petra monuments were carved in two layers of sandstone. These layers are referred to as “Disi Sandstone”, in the upper parts of the site, and “Umm Ishrin sandstone” below it.

On December 6, 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site. In a popular poll in 2007, it was also named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  (Source: Wikipedia)

 

Photos includes: 1-2) Entrance to Petra, 3) Several rows of smaller tombs shortly before the theater, one above the other, probably in the 1st century AD. Most of them are Pylon Tombs with single or double crenellations. 5) The Obelisk Tomb, 6) Al-Khazneh (Khazneh al-Fira'un: Pharaoh's Treasury): the most famous tomb in Petra. Bedouins believed that a fleeing Egyptian pharaoh hid a treasure in the urn on the top, 7) Horse and donkey rides are popular with tourist in Petra, 8) Street of facades, 9-16) Petra Siq