Petra
Petra is an ancient city located in modern-day Jordan, and it is one of the most fascinating and impressive archaeological sites in the world. Petra is an iconic destination and attracts millions of visitors every year. The city is known for its magnificent rock-cut architecture, temples, tombs, and other historical landmarks, which have been carved into the sandstone cliffs.
History
Petra was founded in the 4th century BC by nomadic Arabs and became a thriving center of commerce and culture at the crossroads of trade routes. Skilled Nabataean builders carved elaborate structures into sandstone cliffs, including temples and tombs. Petra came under Roman rule in the 1st century AD and continued to prosper. However, by the 4th century AD, it declined and was abandoned until rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Today, Petra is a renowned archaeological site.
Features
Petra boasts impressive rock-cut architecture, highlighted by the famous Treasury (Al Khazneh) temple from the 1st century BC. Accessed through the narrow Siq canyon, the Treasury is carved out of red sandstone cliffs. Other significant landmarks include the Monastery, a large cliff-top temple, and the Great Temple, Petra's largest building. The Royal Tombs are also noteworthy, serving as the burial site for Nabataean royalty.