Arka Das<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nObelisk Tomb and Bab el-Siq Triclinium<\/strong> (25 to 75 A.D.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nI walked the pathway, neatly divided for the pedestrian and the horse carriages (Only these 2 modes are allowed) to discover more gems. In the opposite direction is Obelisk Tomb and Bab el-Siq Triclinium<\/strong> Two monuments carved into sandstone cliffs sit one upon the other, vying for my attention. The most striking feature of the upper one, Obelisk Tomb, are the 4 pyramid like structures representing Nephesh<\/strong> (A Biblical Hebrew word which refers to the soul of higher animals and human beings). It is a Nabataean sign commemorating the departed souls. Below the tomb is a triclinium<\/strong> (A dining room with a dining table and seats on 3 sides, prevalent in ancient Rome). In the funerary dining hall, wine was served in the banquet held in the honor of God or the ancestor. In the opposite cliff it is mentioned in Nabataean and Greek that the burial monument was built by Admanku. The Greek inscription indicates towards the influence of Hellenic culture in the polyglot Petra. <\/strong><\/p>\nUpper part- Obelisk Tomb; Lower part- Bab el-Siq Triclinium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWater Management by Nabataeans<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nWe walked further admiring the awe inspiring valley. The credit for sculpting the dramatic lunar landscape goes to not only the floodwater erosion but also to the Nabataeans who carved water cisterns and water channels<\/strong> which diverted the water into Petra for everyday use. The rugged desert canyon has a mysterious aura to it. A little ahead is Wadi Al Mudhlim<\/strong>, a dry gorge widened by the flow of water. These days, water flows here only during flash floods. In those times, to protect themselves from the flash floods, the Nabataeans built a dam in 1st<\/sup> century B.C. in the area. It also helped them secure water round the year.<\/p>\nThe Gorgeous Gorges!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAn 82 meters long rock cut tunnel redirected water through Wadi Mudhlim to reservoirs, water cisterns and dams. Baetyls<\/strong> (Sacred stones\/God blocks) were placed in niches towards the end of the Wadi Mudhlim. Nabataeans valued the water and it was their symbolic way to ensure that the Gods were keeping an eye on the water source.<\/strong> Today a modern dam (1964) stands on the same site, built for the same reason, i.e., to protect Petra\u2019s Siqs from Flash Floods.<\/p>\nSabinos Alexandros Station<\/strong> (2nd<\/sup> or 3rd<\/sup> Century A.D.)<\/strong><\/p>\nI observe many of the remnants from the past are still intact such as the paved roads<\/strong> (1st<\/sup> century B.C.), Baetyls<\/strong> and Sabinos Alexandros Station<\/strong>. One of the famous niche in the Siq was carved by Sabinos Alexandros, a religious head from modern day Dara\u2019a<\/strong> (Dusares at Adra\u2019a), Syria. The station is notable for the many baetyls, the domed one depicting the God Dushara<\/strong> (the main Nabataean God) from Adra\u2019a<\/strong> and the one on left is deity Atargatis<\/strong> on 2 lions. (See picture). It was carved by him when he visited Petra along with other masters to honor God Dushara in 2nd<\/sup> or 3rd<\/sup> Century A.D.<\/p>\nSabinos Alexandros Station. Deity Atargatis and her lions (left), God Dushara (Domed structure on left)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCamel Caravan Reliefs<\/strong> (100-50 B.C.).<\/strong><\/p>\nA little ahead are Camel Caravan Reliefs<\/strong>. The colossal human forms are at least a third larger than life. It depicts the life in those times, viz, a caravan of camels and men entering Petra. Ten meters above is an eroded carving showing the caravan leaving Petra.<\/strong> The economy of the place which was based on caravan trade saw much traffic in those times. The high hump on one of the camel suggests that the camel is carrying goods. Notice the pleated woolen garment worn by one of the men<\/strong>. In his left arm he is holding a stick.<\/p>\nRemaining sculpture at the Camel Caravan Relief. Notice the dress of the man and the stick.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTreasury aka Al Khazneh <\/strong>(1st<\/sup> century A.D.)<\/p>\nWithin minutes, I approach the end of the narrow Siq. It must be the most photographed part of the Siq as it offers a dramatic glimpse of the Treasury aka Al Khazneh.<\/strong> The most recognizable face of Petra, Treasury was built by Nabateans around 1st<\/sup> century A.D. Carved out of a sandstone rock face, it originally served as a mausoleum or crypt (Burial place).<\/em><\/p>\nWhat makes Treasury and other monument of Petra special is the fact that<\/strong> they were not built but carved out of rock with simple chisel. It was sculpted top down. 60,000 cubic feet of rock<\/strong> was chiseled out. Indeed a great feat! 2,000 years later, it is still in great shape today except the erosion of small details and the bullet marks near the urn.<\/strong> It is believed that the local Bedouins shot at the urn in early 20th<\/sup> century, assuming that the bandits have hidden treasure in the urn. It, of course, is just a solid sandstone embellishment.<\/p>\nThe first glimpse of Treasury!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDid You Know About The Mysterious Burial Chamber Under Treasury?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nHistorians have concluded that the rich carvings on Treasury\u2019s fa\u00e7ade depict mythological characters representing afterlife. During the recent excavations, a subterranean burial chamber<\/strong> (accessed by a staircase) was found right under the treasury. The archeologists found the treasure of a different kind. 13 skeletons along with pottery<\/strong> were found in one of the chambers. It is believed that the skeletons belonged to the Royal Nabataean family. The treasury was possibly built to honor the Royal family and was a mausoleum. Visitors are not allowed to enter the underground chamber. In fact mausoleums of many size and shape dominate the landscape of Petra. Their size depended upon the stature of the person in Nabataean society. <\/strong>Ground penetrating radar is used to find many more such gems.<\/p>\nThe most photographed face of Petra- The Treasury!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThanks to the Hellenistic and Roman influence<\/strong>, the architecture of Treasury reflects Greek styles. Corinthian style pillars<\/strong>, eagles and Statues of Castor<\/strong> and Pollux<\/strong> grab the attention. The entire campus of Petra is dominated by tombs and other structures built in Nabataean, Assyrian, Helenistic and Greco-Roman style<\/strong>, indicating the cosmopolitan nature of the ancient city. The overlapping and merging of different styles speaks volumes about those times.<\/p>\nStreet of Fa\u00e7ades (50 BC- 50 A.D.) <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nI passed an old man playing Arabic tunes for the amusement of the tourists and reached the Street of Fa\u00e7ades<\/strong>. The many rock cut tombs arranged neatly in street like rows grabbed my attention. Built one stop the other, the homogeneous tombs stand out due to their concentration and visually pleasing pattern. The Assyrian architecture style<\/strong> makes the tombs of Petra identical to the stepped design of Mesopotamium architecture (6th<\/sup> and 7th<\/sup> B.C.). Much of the outstanding labyrinth of tombs, burial niches and Tricliniums<\/strong> (funerary dining halls) has been plundered over time. The tomb of Unayshu (1st<\/sup> century A.D.) is remarkable here.<\/p>\nThe visually delightful Street of facades!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRoman style amphitheater (1st<\/sup> century A.D.) <\/strong><\/p>\nOpposite the Street of Fa\u00e7ades is an impressive Roman style amphitheater<\/strong>. Surrounded by huge mountains on 3 sides, it indicates the Roman influence on the area even before the Romans annexed Petra in A.D. 106. Built in classical Hellenistic style, it seated approximately 8500 people<\/strong> at a time. Carved out of the rock face, the existing tombs were destroyed to create the amphitheater, the evidences of which are still visible at places.<\/p>\nTombs, small and large dot the landscape. Seen here is the street of facades. Notice the large tomb!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRoman colonnaded street and Nymphaeum (100-200 A.D.)<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Just as I entered the colonnaded street<\/strong> I came across the remains of a Nymphaeum<\/strong>. A common feature of most Graeco-Roman cities, it was a public drinking fountain named after the nymphs (female nature spirits). Not much of it remains today. However, it once served as a lively place for socializing for the people who frequented Petra.<\/strong> The source of the water was the water tunnels which began at the Siq (See beginning of the story)<\/p>\nThe remains of the colonnaded street will transport you to the Roman Era. Built upon an existing dirt and gravel Nabataean street, it ran through the main city center of Petra<\/strong>. The Romans narrowed, paved and straightened the road. It is concluded by the historians that the street may have served as a market place for trading spices, semi precious stones and textiles from India, frankincense from Southern Arabia and East Africa.<\/strong> The colonnades and buildings were destroyed in the severe earthquake of 363 A.D. At present, only 9 columns are standing, thanks to the restoration work. It was a socializing nerve centre of the city<\/strong>, like any other Roman city. There was even a tavern nearby which people frequented for dining and recreation.<\/p>\nThe ruins of the Colonnaded Street. See how it looked like in the picture above (Sourced from a signboard at the actual site)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe \u2018Great Temple\u2019 Complex (25 B.C.- 100 A.D.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nThe largest building in Petra yet uncovered is the \u2018Great Temple\u2019 Complex. <\/strong>I climbed a propylaeum<\/strong> (entrance) to arrive at the wide lower precinct of the temple. Everything else except the floor has been destroyed. I imagined a paved courtyard sandwiched by triple colonnades<\/strong> (column\/pillar) on either side. 60 columns were lined in each row. Built of carved domes, each column had carved elephant heads,<\/strong> a power of symbol.<\/p>\nThe upper precincts, was accessed through a stairway. It had a small open air theater<\/strong>. The semi circular theater was used as a council chamber or judicial assembly hall or perhaps for the entertainment of the elite<\/strong>. A workshop for construction work, subterranean drainage system and bath were some of its other features.<\/p>\nThe Great Temple Complex!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nQasr al- Bint Temple Complex (25 B.C.- 25 A.D.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nThe presence of Qasr al- Bint Temple Complex<\/strong> few meters away from the Great temple Complex suggests the secular nature of Petra. It was built around the same time. Possibly a pilgrim destination, it is Petra\u2019s oldest temple complex.<\/strong> There is an interesting story behind Qasr Bint Far\u2019un (Palace of the Pharaoh\u2019s daughter) Legend has it that the Pharaoh promised that any engineer who is successful in building a water channel emptying in the temple will be married to his daughter. During excavations, many water channels were unearthed near the temple complex<\/strong>. Said to be dedicated to God Dushara, it stands out due to its sheer size (23 m tall) and unusual square shape<\/strong>. It is a Hellenistic temple which means that only priests were allowed to go inside<\/strong> while the commoners worshipped from open air termenos. The stairs lead upto the stucco covered Corinthian columns which marked the entrance.<\/p>\nQasr al- Bint Temple Complex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMonastery aka Ad Deir\/El Deir (85 B.C. to 110 A.D.)<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\nAfter exploring the plains at my pace, it was time for me to hike upto the mysterious Monastery aka Ad Deir\/El Deir<\/strong> on higher grounds. We passed a board which indicated The Lion Triclinium<\/strong> was nearby. Short on time, we skipped it only to end up indulging in long conversation with a Bedouin woman Firouz Mousa<\/strong> who served us Jordanian Tea as we sat on stairs and talk to her. Small interactions like these are as important as seeing the important edifices. Due to an elevated height and twists and turns, the landscapes were even more dramatic as we kept hiking. Donkeys jostled for space throughout the stairs. One hour later<\/strong> (includes stops), we arrived at the Monastery. Archeologists from western countries were busy in excavating more remains. Much of Petra is still unexcavated.<\/strong> Over the next few decades, I hope to see some exciting new additions in the Petra landscape.<\/p>\nThe Monastery as seen from Wadi Araba Viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWadi Araba Viewpoint (As old as time)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nWe hiked further up to the Wadi Araba Viewpoint.<\/strong> Wadi Araba Crossing is popular with tourists who want to cross the border. (Aqaba in Jordan to Eilat in Israel). As I reached on top of the view point, I was treated with incredible views of Monastery on one side and the mammoth mineral mountains on the other.<\/strong> Miles of colorful (due to minerals) mountains dominated the landscape. Many people return from Monastery. I suggest burn some calories more and see the views from the top. A Jack Sparrow<\/strong> (Pirates Of Caribbean) lookalike sold us tea at the only shop on the top.<\/p>\nWe descended to study the Monastery in detail. One of the largest monument in Petra, at first glance it looks identical to the Treasury.<\/strong> However, on close inspection, you realize that instead of the bas reliefs, there are niches to display sculptors. An Alter and the two side benches inside the edifice suggests that it was probably a biclinium<\/strong> and used for holding religious meeting and performing certain rituals. There was a columned portico in front to the fa\u00e7ade. It is popularly known as Monastery because it was later used as a Christian Chapel<\/strong> as suggested by the crosses marked in the rear wall.<\/p>\nThe mineral mountains as seen from Wadi Araba Viewpoint.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Decline Of Petra:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nWhat was once a center of power and wealth<\/strong>, started showing signs of decay once the Romans took over. Nabataean paid a heavy price by establishing trade links with Romans.<\/strong> The Romans annexed Petra in 106 A.D. <\/strong>triggering its downfall. The popularity of trade via sea and severe earthquakes thinned Petra\u2019s fortunes further. Eventually the Byzantine empire<\/strong> took over resulting in doom for Petra. There is also a Byzantine Church<\/strong> in the premises. The only documentation from Petra <\/strong>was found in this Church in the form of burnt scrolls written in Greek. It is under analysis right now. It is believed that the Nabataean co existed with Romans<\/strong> and once all was lost they left the place with whatever fortunes they still possessed. The rest was looted. In its heydays, it is believed that upto 30,000 Nabataeans<\/strong> lived in the protected canyon. 5,00,000 foreign travelers<\/strong> lived outside the Petra in tents. That explains the sophisticated cisterns, tunnels and fountains built to meet the demand for water.<\/strong> Once a powerful kingdom, it is an uninhabited land, visited only by tourists and local sellers.<\/p>\nThe remains just before the Colonnaded Street begins. Notice the local men dressed as ancient warriors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSoul Window Tips:<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\nKeep at least 2 days to see the monuments.<\/strong> Though one day is also OK, but if you want a deeper experience 2 days are good. That includes time for Little Petra nearby.<\/li>\nCarry water bottles<\/strong> at all times. The region is dry.<\/li>\nHiking upto the monastery is not advised for the elderly<\/strong> or if you have knee or joint issues. Judge for yourself once you are there.<\/li>\nBeware of the shopkeepers. They will sweet talk you into buying overpriced artefacts<\/strong>.<\/li>\nHiking to monastery takes 1 hour with detours and tea stops.<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget water bottles in case you are starting early. Most shops will be shut.<\/li>\nClean loos <\/strong>are available throughout.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nREAD: THINGS TO DO IN RAS AL KHAIMAH<\/a><\/p>\nThis was the tunnel which supplied water to the Roman Fountain (Please read text above)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMY MORAL POLICING:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\nI personally don\u2019t take animal rides due to ethical reasons<\/strong>. Also Petra is meant to be savoured at slow pace. You will MISS A LOT if you chose to take a horse carriage ride instead of walking.<\/li>\nIf you are fit, please do not hire a donkey<\/strong> to reach the Monastery. The steps are uneven and it will not be a pleasant experience for either you or the poor donkey.<\/li>\nPlease don\u2019t touch the monuments<\/strong>, especially the Treasury and Monastery. Every time you do that you erode the fa\u00e7ade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe man who regaled the tourists with local music!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRELATED BLOGS:<\/p>\n
PETRA IN NIGHT: IS IT WORTH IT (EXCLUSIVE PICTURES)<\/a><\/p>\nAQABA- THE ONLY COASTAL CITY OF JORDAN WHICH BORDERS EGYPT, ISRAEL AND SAUDI ARABIA<\/a><\/p>\nWADI RUM- MARS ON EARTH?<\/a><\/p>\nAMMAN CITADEL- THE CONTINUALLY HABITATED WALLED CITY<\/a><\/p>\nM\u00f6venpick Resort and Residences, Aqaba- The Ultimate Luxury Experience in Aqaba!<\/a><\/p>\nAIR ARABIA- HOW TO TRAVEL TO JORDAN ON A BUDGET AND IN STYLE<\/a><\/p>\nMe at the Street of Facades (Pic: Arka Das)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSpread the love, share this blog<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nGot any question\/comments, ask in the comment section below so that it can benefit other readers.<\/strong><\/p>\nEmail me for collaboration: abhinav21@yahoo.com<\/p>\n
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NOTE: I was invited by Jordan Tourism Board to Jordan on a Press Trip<\/p>\n
WARNING: COPYRIGHT TO ALL THE IMAGES AND TEXT HERE REMAINS WITH ME. YOU CAN NOT JUST LIFT THE CONTENT AND USE IT WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. STRICT LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF CONTENT IS STOLEN. YES, I AM SERIOUS.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After enjoying the Little Petra and Petra by night, I was curious to see the prehistoric Petra by the day. The rose red city of Petra was listed as the modern 7 wonders of the world in 2007. Petra, declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 was long on my radar. It is always …<\/p>\n