Petra: A City in Disguise
Poet John William Burgon described Petra as "a rose-red city half as old as time.". Often hailed as a must-see before you die, Petra is a place of timeless wonder. So, what does it whisper? ??
Over 2,000 years ago, Petra was founded along ancient trade routes linking Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Its founders, the Nabataeans, were desert nomads with a keen eye for lands, water and opportunities. Their sharp survival skills and deep desert knowledge turned Petra into one of the wealthiest cities of its time.
Originally named Raqmu, meaning "colored stone," the city was later called "Petra" by the Greeks, which simply translates to "rock." Simple, yet beautiful.
The Nabataeans' unique qualities enabled them to thrive independently while other tribes fell to powerful civilizations. They dominated key trade routes, transporting spices and incense from Arabia to Egypt and the Mediterranean, amassing great wealth. Abandoning their goat-hair tents, they built grand houses and monuments, transforming Petra into a bustling trading hub. Imagine lush gardens, ornate homes, and vibrant markets brimming with exotic goods from India, China, Arabia, and Egypt.
The Wonders of the Nabataens
If you haven’t already asked yourself, let us: “How could a desert city like Petra be so rich and lush?” Petra was known for its extravagant gardens and pools, despite being in an arid landscape. The secret lies in the ingenuity of the Nabataeans.
On both sides of the Siq (the main road leading to the city), channels were created to draw water from Wadi Musa into the city. These channels delivered clean water to Petra’s heart. To counteract sandstone's water absorption, they lined the channels with waterproof materials and installed clay pipes to prevent any loss. Remarkably, some of these 2,000-year-old clay pipes remain in their original places today.
At the entrance of the Siq, the Nabataeans built a dam to prevent floods and store clean water for the city. This dam directed floodwaters into a tunnel, protecting Petra from disasters and even enabling agriculture.
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Petra the ‘Lost and Ghost City’
One question lingers: what happened to this great city? The exact cause of Petra's fall remains a mystery, but a few theories and facts stand out.
Earthquakes struck, causing irreparable damage to the water system that sustained Petra's lush life. Meanwhile, the rise of sea routes shifted trade from land to maritime paths, undermining Petra's economic foundation. As trade dwindled, the city's golden era faded, leaving behind a struggling population. By the 8th century, Petra had hit its nadir, both economically and demographically.
After its abandonment, Petra saw brief periods of use by Crusaders and nomadic shepherds, but it ultimately became a forgotten ghost city. That is, until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Recognized for its historical significance, Petra is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Journey Through the Rose-Red City
Petra is full of mysteries. But don’t worry, Piri Guide’s Petra audio tour will lead you through the red-stone-covered walls of the city. Just plug in your earphones, follow our curated route, listen to the stories, and let us take you on a journey through time.