Wadi Musa

Claimed to pop culture fame by the film Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Petra is an ancient city lost in time. Hidden in the red- sandstone mountains of Jordan, between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, after a long trek deep into a gorge, you'll find the place that Nabataeans used to call home. Their main district for commerce and livelihood, buildings were carved into the rock face. Greek and Egyptian influences can be seen through the temples, homes, and tombs, along with their depictions of the gods of mountains, rain, sun and fertility. The carving in itself is unbelievable. Creating buildings out of a mountain is one thing. But to be so precise in detail with the pillars and motifs is another. Another testament to human innovation. Petra was taken over by the Romans in 106 CE, and later by the Byzantines. The City of Petra faded entirely after an earthquake shrouded the city from the map. It wasn't until 1812 when it was rediscovered by Swiss explorer, Johann Burckhardt.

Travel for History

Area

Wadi Musa, Jordan