Embark on a journey to the captivating ancient city of Petra, where history and breathtaking beauty converge! Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Jordan, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological wonders. From its elaborate rock-cut architecture to its rich cultural significance, Petra holds countless secrets waiting to be unveiled. In this article, we’ll unearth 15 fascinating facts about this mesmerizing city, transporting you back in time to an era of grandeur and mystique. So dust off your explorer’s hat, grab your camera, and get ready to be enchanted by the astonishing allure of Petra!
1-5 Fun Facts About Petra
1. Petra is considered one of the oldest cities in the world, with archaeologists dating its establishment to around 312 BC by the Nabateans.
2. The Nabateans, the inhabitants of Petra, did not refer to the city as Petra. According to the ancient historian Josephus, evidence suggests they knew it as Raqemo, the Aramaic name of its royal founder.
3. The name Petra has Greek origins and is derived from the Greek word “Petros,” meaning rocks.
4. Petra is often referred to as “The Lost City” because it remained unknown to the Western world until 1812. No Europeans had entered the ancient site prior to that year.
5. So, how did they stumble upon this ancient wonderland? Well, enter Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the Swiss explorer extraordinaire. He was like Indiana Jones but with a better sense of fashion. To get into Petra, he went undercover as an Arab traveler.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Petra
6. Only around 15% of Petra has been excavated and explored by archaeologists, indicating that there is much more to uncover and learn about the ancient city.
7. Petra was recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World by UNESCO in 2007, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.
8. Petra is mentioned multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, and it is located within Wadi Musa, which translates to “Valley of Moses” in Arabic. According to biblical accounts, Moses passed through the valley and struck water from a rock at the site known as Ain Musa or Moses’ Well. The Nabateans developed water channels from this spring to supply water to the city of Petra.
9. Petra is home to more than 600 tombs, reflecting the Nabataeans’ reverence for their deceased and their mortuary rituals.
10. During its peak in the first centuries BC to AD, Petra is estimated to have been inhabited by 20,000 to 30,000 people.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Petra
11. Petra was a fortified site, with its eastern entrance guarded by a winding and narrow gorge called As-Siq, providing a natural defense against potential invaders. The passage is approximately 1 kilometer long.
12. One of the prominent features of Petra is its massive theater, which has a seating capacity of around 4,000 people.
13. Despite being located in a desert environment, the Nabataeans showcased their expertise in water collection and cultivation, enabling the growth of gardens in Petra.
14. Wait, wait, hold the camel! Some Nabateans are still kickin’ it in Petra today. While many former inhabitants have relocated, some Nabataeans, particularly the B’doul Bedouin tribe, continue to reside and work in Petra, maintaining a connection to their ancestral home.
15. Previously, motor vehicles were not allowed in Petra, and transportation was limited to animal-driven carriages such as horse-drawn carriages or camel rides. However, in 2021, cars were permitted in the city to prioritize animal welfare. Tourists now have the option to purchase tickets to use cars from the Visitor Centre.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 15 Awesome Petra facts
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