Petra, commonly known as the city of Petra, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jordan. And it is not for less, because it is one of the seven wonders of the world. A city literally carved into a cliff, which shows us the ingenuity and skill of its builders. But it is also full of history and mystery, since archaeological excavations are still being carried out to unravel its secrets.
Without a doubt, this is a place that still little is known about and that we must visit once in a lifetime. So, to learn more about it, we bring you some fun facts you should know about this wonderful city.
The city of Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
In a public and international competition held in 2007 the city of Petra was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The other wonders that were chosen were the spectacular Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru, the Taj Mahal in India, the Roman Coliseum in Italy, Chichén Itzá in Mexico, the Great Wall of China and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.
Although this is not the only recognition that the city of Petra has. Since it was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 due to its functionality, conservation and architecture. Furthermore, its location in the desert means that its original inhabitants had to use creative ways to bring water and other resources to the city.
The city of Petra was not built, but carved
Compared to ancient Greek and Roman ruins that were built with impressive engineering and architectural knowledge. The Petra monuments were not built at all, the site was dug and carved directly out of the rocks.
Which means that it must have been hard work, since more than 30,000 people lived in this city. So it is not surprising that it has been declared a World Heritage Site and it is still a great achievement.
Recent archaeological research suggests that they would have done it from top to bottom. It is believed that the carved stones of the upper parts would have served as a ramp so that the workers could stand to carry out the rest of the work.
The city of Petra is astronomically oriented
Like many ancient peoples, the Nabataeans also worshiped the sun as a source of light and life. So they took into account the movements of the sun in their constructions and the design of this city has that reverence. In fact, most of Petra’s holiest spaces are built in a way to align with the solar patterns. Not only taking into account the equinoxes but also the solstices and other astronomical events.
Petra was rediscovered just over 200 years ago
Since it was abandoned, the city of Petra remained well hidden in the desert mountains for centuries. Although the nomads of the desert knew of its existence, it was not until 1812 that this ancient desert city would be rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
Hence, it is also known by the name of “Lost City”. After that, the lost city of Petra, would receive a lot of attention from all over the world, and would become the tourist attraction that it is now.
Petra’s name
The name Petra comes from the Greek word ‘petros’, which means rocks. Although it is also known as Al-Batra in Arabic, and it is also called the ‘Pink City’ due to the colour of its rocks, which acquire a red-pink hue at sunset and sunrise.
80% of the city is still undiscovered
We must bear in mind that no one knew about this city for a very long time, to be exact, approximately from the 4th century AD when it was abandoned by all its inhabitants. Therefore, it would be forgotten until it was rediscovered in the 19th century.
However, mostly the city is still hidden under the sand, due to sandstorms, earthquakes and floods that were burying it. So only about 20% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, which means there is still a lot to reveal about it.
It is near a famous biblical site
The city of Petra is mentioned several times in the bible, under different names. And in one of them it is said that during the exodus Moses and the Israelites would have crossed the area of Petra in Edom. In fact, a local tradition claims that the Wadi Musa spring, which was where the city’s water supply derived from. It was the place where Moses performed the miracle of making water flow after hitting a rock.
Although, it is known that the architects of Petra were not Christians. Due to its proximity to Wadi Musa, this city has become a place of pilgrimage for Christians.
The city of Petra was destroyed by a massive earthquake
Petra is believed to have been established in 312 BC. However, in 363 AD, a gigantic earthquake would sweep over most of the city. Thus causing many residents who survived the disaster to leave the city. Something that would put an end to its prosperity and prominence as a rich commercial centre and caused it to be lost with the passage of time.
It is home to over 1,000 tombs
From simple tombs to mausoleums, the Nabataeans certainly held their dead in high regard. For this reason, it is not strange their special effort to honour them while they passed to the other world. As a sample of this we will find more than 1,000 tombs that are protected between the mountains of the city and its surroundings.
Tombs that are mixed with representations of their gods, giving the city a fusion between the sacred and the earthly.
Some descendants of the Nabataeans still live in and around Petra
For centuries the surroundings of the city of Petra have been the home of the Bedouin. Even after the rediscovery of the city, these tribes descended from the Nabataeans have not yet been expelled from the area. Which gives Petra a special charm, since many travellers can connect with this regional culture through living with local families.
In fact, it is possible to see how some local Bedouin still live in the smaller tombs. And as some monuments are blackened inside by the fire that was lit there.
ALFA