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Home » Nabataean

Nabataean

The Many Mysteries Of Petra Jordan

August 13, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Petra Jordan

The City That Was Lost For Centuries

This article is being converted into a more well rounded guide of the historical site, and more information will be added over time.

The Many Mysteries Of Petra Jordan is a showcase of Petra the city that was lost in the cliff of the rock and hidden for years. Even today, without a guide, the way in is a mystery, and easy to defend. Her greatness is not questioned, but what is her destiny? Does she have a role to play at the end of time? Will she hide the remnant of Israel? Why has she been so well preserved? While much of the city is still being discovered, that which has been dug out to date is beautiful beyond belief. Welcome to the lost city, where history, ancient stories, and archaeology come together.

Petra is a jewel of Jordan and all the Middle East. When you look at it, you can not help but wonder how it was built. The carving is magnificent. The city planning is perfect. There is a water and sewer system, and everything a city needs. There are caves that are hidden, and others that are more open. It is literally built into the rock, all hand carved. It was built to last, and it is not in a state of decay, despite weather, time, earthquakes, and nature. It has been hidden for years, so few beyond the Bedouins have seen it over the years. Only in the last century or so, has it become a well-known destination for travelers. So come along with us, as we explore Petra, the city that was lost for centuries.

Petra Jordan

The Long Narrow Spectacular Siq

The Siq, also known as the Siqit, is a long narrow and winding gorge that has little light shining into int0. It winds for almost one mile and will take about 45 minutes or longer to walk into the city if you take time to enjoy the walk and see the unique and wonderful entrance. To the left, you will see where water was brought into the city from a spring that was several miles away. On the right, the water channel has been washed away at the beginning, but you can see it later on in your walk into Petra proper.  Also, close to the beginning, you will see the remains of a type of arch that went across the entrance of the Siq.

Along the way, you will see niches for the gods of the Nabataean people, cisterns, and lookouts. This is one of only two ways in and out of the city and was considered the main entrance. There are places that are not more than 10 feet wide. In fact, you can almost touch both sides as you walk into this spectacular and elaborate ruin. The Siq ends when you come to a clearing in front of the Treasury or Khazneh. No one is certain what it was used for, though many think it was a library of some kind. Whatever it was, it makes a dramatic statement after the narrow dim walk into the city.

As you enter the plaza entrance to the Siq, you will have many offers of transportation through the Siq. The carts move slow enough for you not to miss anything and the drivers will stop for you to take pictures. Pointing to your camera will usually be all the communication necessary for your driver to understand you want to stop for a picture. The cart and buggy rides are usually drawn by donkeys or small horses and are quite inexpensive. This small amount goes a long way toward helping the Bedouins make a livable wage in this harsh and remote desert land.

Petra Jordan

The Treasury Or Khazneh of Petra Jordan

As you come into this ancient Nabataean city of Petra, this elaborate Treasury is the first monument you will lay your eyes on. As you step out of the Siq and look up, the enormity and magnificence of this spectacular monument begin to sink in. It is several stories tall, all hand carved, and beautifully restored. The Treasury leaves you with a sense of awe, as you behold her beauty. As you step inside this monument, you are overwhelmed with the quality of this ancient workmanship. It is almost impossible to convey the wonder and awe that you feel as you stand in front of this magnificent monument.

Petra Jordan

Exploring Passage Ways And Caves

After leaving the Treasury, we come to the Street of Facades. This is an area that is full of both simple and gigantic tombs with large impressive facades. These false fronts are very tall and intriguing, making an impressive facade for the more important members of this society. As you move along the street, you will see many simpler and smaller caves for the more humble residents. Even the smaller tombs had much detail. This is an area that has not been restored, and many of the tombs are still filled with sand from numerous floods through the centuries. As you continue down this Street of Facades, you will come to the heart of Petra.

If you have allowed enough time to explore the caves, it is a marvelous opportunity for adventure. You will be able to discover the many works of nature, God’s creation, and the unique abilities of the Nabataeans. These ancient caves are just one part of the mystery surrounding Petra.

Petra Jordan

Living In The Mountains Of Edom

Cut into the side of the Edom Mountains lived an ancient people known as the Edomites. The Edomites were an ancient civilization that descended from Esau. We can read about the generations of Esau in Genesis chapter 36. What an amazing experience it must have been for Esau, the brother of Jacob, to have lived in these amazing mountains. Though there still is a great mystery as to what happened to the  Horites, who were conquered by the Edomites, and later the Edomites who were conquered by the Nabataeans around the year 400 BC. What happened to their land, and their capital city, Petra? Who began to build in these amazing sandstone mountains? Today, we give all the credit to the Nabataaeans for this spectacular city, but with most of Petra still buried, much is waiting to be discovered. The mystery of Petra will continue for many generations to come.

The earthquake of 363 AD

We do know, that there was a large earthquake in 363 AD that destroyed around half of Petra and the surrounding cities built into the rock of the mountains. Historians, Biblical scholars, and archaeologists have searched the ruins, and ancient manuscripts, that have been discovered to date, for a clue, but the only clue seems to be written in Ezekiel 35 of the Bible. Ezekiel 35:15 gives a very strong statement about this ancient land and the Edomites disappearance. But even it is silent about the Nabataeans. So for now, we are left to wonder! Together, these many scholars from different fields seek to uncover what happened to the Nabataeans, a civilization of people so advanced to have built a capital city so elaborate. To this day, this great mystery continues.

Petra Jordan

Stunning Waves Of Color In The Sandstone Of Petra

The colors of Petra are breathtaking with bright colors that swirl in the sandstone, intermingling with soft shades that sparkle in the sunlight. As unique and spectacular as the architecture is, sometimes the colors fill your heart with an amazing sense of anticipation. As the sun shines and causes the colors to spiral in the light, the sandstone becomes spectacular and almost seems to dance. Jordan is a safe county, with magnificent deserts, amazing historical sites, extremely friendly people, and adventure for everyone. Surrounding Petra is one of the world’s most amazing deserts, the Wadi Rum.
Petra Jordan

Pillars Of The Great Temple

Pillars of the Great Temple is one of the major architectural components of metropolitan Petra. As amazing as this Great Temple is, what is seen here only represents about 15% of this magnificent and unique Temple. Many more clues to Temple life still remain deep beneath the surface. This means that there is still many more clues to discover in the 85% that remains of this Temple and was buried by earthquakes. As archaeologists continue to dig and discover more of this amazing Great Temple, much still remains for the next set of eyes.
As you begin your Temple discovery, be sure to take plenty of water, sunscreen, and protection from the harsh sunlight. The walk up the stairs can seem almost endless. For those who prefer not to climb stairs, there are camels that will carry you to the top for a small fee. The camels are sure-footed and will take you safely to the top on a very steep canyon path. At times you travel what seems a little close to the edge, where the path narrows, but the camels know where to put their feet. As you climb up the path, signs of the Great Temple emerge. This is a major climb, no matter how you choose to ascend the Temple area, and it is filled with adventure.
Petra Jordan

Camel Driver Waiting With His Camels

The Bedouins wait to see who needs to have a ride to the top. They are extremely friendly, the camels are well cared for and the fees are reasonable. Some people opt to walk and climb to the top and experience the descent on the back of a camel. Both methods are unique and will be filled with fun memories.
Petra Jordan

The Temenos Gate And The Nabatean Life Of The Bedouins In Petra

The architectural wonders of the Temenos Gate, a very large three arched monumental doorway, are beyond your expectations. With beautiful decorations on the inside and out in several different styles of architecture, this door explores some of the best designs of the Hellenistic Roman culture and of course the Nabataean. There are carvings, sculptures, and ornate niches with statues throughout, giving honor and respect to their gods. As you go through the gate, you see the remains of a staircase, a tub, and even some bases of statues. On one there is an inscription to the Nabataean King, Aretas IV. This monumental doorway, or gate, was designed to separate the mundane life of a city from the religious devotion of a devout people, worshiping their gods.
All the business activities, banking, selling and buying, stayed on one side of the gate. When you entered through the gate, all everyday worries were to stay in the business part of the city. You had just entered a devout and quiet area, where you could spend time with the gods. As you continued, your first view was that of a wide open space that was used for different religious ceremonies. This stood in front of the Temple Oasr Al Bint.
Petra Jordan

The Castle Of The Daughter Of Pharaoh Or Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun In Petra Jordan

The temple’s modern name, “Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun,” means “The Castle of the Daughter of Pharaoh.” If you continue down past the Temenos Gate, you will find this ancient and magnificent temple. Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun is among the few free-standing buildings in this ancient city. It was built around 30 BCE to worship Nabataean gods by the Nabateans. It was a temple of major importance and was dedicated to the service of the Nabataean gods.
The name, “The Castle Of The Daughter Of Pharaoh,” ties in closely with a local legend. The legend has it that the Pharaoh of Egypt, at the time of the Exodus from Egypt, pursued the Hebrews until he got tired. Then he and his court eventually settled down in Petra. Though it is one of many fun local stories told by the Bedouins, it is not historically correct. These stories remain with us till this day and are an entertaining part of the folklore surrounding Petra.
Some of the features of Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun are mind-blowing. There is a spectacular marble staircase, many columns, and a platform for worship. Many examples of the ornate features of the temple can be seen at the Petra Visitors Center. In the center was the adyton, or the Holy of Holies where the first thing that is seen is the sacrificial altar. Throughout the temple, the main room has images of the Nabataean deities or gods. This is thought to be the main area where the people worshiped and made their sacrifices. It’s a location in the center of the worship district, and it being on the ground floor, means it was considered especially sacred.
Petra Jordan

Beyond The City Are Steep And Rugged Canyons

Beyond the rugged desert canyons and sandstone cliffs is the ancient treasure of Petra. Notice how rugged the surrounding area is. All this can be seen on the edge of a harsh but beautiful desert. These canyons have helped keep Petra hidden and surrounded with mystery for centuries. The entire region is very hot and harsh. While walking in the desert and around the mountain canyons is a desirable treat, make sure you have plenty of water and wear sun protection.
Don’t be surprised if you see a goat-haired tent in the desert. These are the homes of the nomadic Bedouins and most likely you will be invited for tea. You also might run across tea in Petra itself. It is an experience that you will not want to miss out on.
Petra Jordan

Time For Tea In The Desert

Traditional sweet and spicy Bedouin Tea, also known as Marmaraya, in Petra is a delight.   It is a black tea mixed with local spices including marmaraya and habuck. It is served with tons of sugar, so it is quite sweet. One of the herbs in the tea is related to the sage plant, which regulates body temperature. Most would agree you feel cooler after a cup of this special tea.
One thought on a Petra adventure is to have plenty of time. There is so much to see and explore, that even one whole day will not let you see and experience everything. Most people take one or even two days just for Petra. Jordan is a safe and pleasant land for tourists to visit and explore. If you are happy, they are happy. What more can you ask for?

The Many Mysteries Of Petra Jordan and the experiences of the ancient Nabataeans peoples.

The Many Mysteries Of Petra In Jordan

Places to stay close by Petra

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Filed Under: Asia, Jordan, Petra, Travel Tips, Wadi Rum Desert, World Travel Tagged With: Aretas IV, Bedouins, Colonnaded Street, Edomites, Esau, Hellenistic Roman culture, Horites, Jacob, Jordan, Jordanian Desert, Khazneh, Marmaraya tea, Middle East, Mountains Of Edom, Nabataean, Nabataean King, Nabataeans, Nabatean Life, Petra, petra jordan, Qasr al-Bint al-Faroun, Sandstone, Sandstone Of Petra, Siq, Siqit, Street of Facades, Temenos Gate, Temple Oasr Al Bint, The Castle Of The Daughter Of Pharaoh, The Great Temple, The Lost City, The Treasury, Wadi Rum

Royal Urn Monumental Tomb

October 13, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

 Royal Urn Tomb

Royal Urn Monumental Tomb

Royal Urn, is  a monumental tomb from the Kings Wall. These magnificent hand carved tombs are on the Western Wall of Jebel Khubtha. What magnificence! Here at the Kings Wall are four enormous tombs of mega importance. These are tombs of the kings! They are tombs to be remembered. They are carved into the rocks at the foot of the mountain. They stand guard over the city! The first is the Royal Urn Tomb. The other three are the Silk Tomb, the Corinthian Tomb, and the Palace Tomb. They are marvelously built!  Their architecture is one of excellence! You have arrived at the Kings Wall!

These marvelous tombs were connected to the Nabataean  Water System. Water cascaded down from above into cisterns below located below. This amazing waterfall created the center of the town below. What excellence of design! What beauty abounded! Welcome to Jebel Khubtha and the beautiful City Center Gardens.

The Urn Tomb was built in 446 BC and finished in 7 AD. It is a tomb of grander. Royal Urn Tomb is the largest of the four tombs of the Kings. It is the final resting place of a great king! Royal Urn Tomb is the finest of all the tombs. It is the resting place of an unknown king. Many archaeologists believe it may be the tomb of Nabataean King Malchus II. Whoever was buried here, was buried with great honor.

Petra is home to an amazing number of fantastic tombs. These tombs were a grand celebration of the accomplishments of the dead. They are a celebration of their achievements while on earth. Where the inscriptions were carved, they remain to this day. It is believed though, that many were hand painted. Those have perished with time. These extraordinary tombs continued to be built well into the Second Century AD.

Archaeologists have located inscriptions on Papyruses in other locations. These discoveries have enabled them to know the succession of Nebataean Kings. However, they are still unsure which of the Royal Tombs were built for which King. They are still studying! They are still digging! They still hope to learn which tomb belongs to which King. This is a perfect example of how this mysterious city of Petra, has kept hidden some of her best secrets. Perhaps one day an adventurous climber will find a new clue. Petra has many hidden secrets, just waiting to be discovered! This is a city of adventure! Will you be the next one to discover a clue!

The Royal Urn Tomb was so large and extraordinary that during the Byzantine period in the year of 446 AD, it was converted into the large Byzantine Church. This Church was built directly over the Nabataean and Roman remains. What a beautiful Cathedral! It was designed and built with imported marble, astonishing mosaics, and building materials from previous monuments. The Urn Tomb was now a Cathedral of excellence! Welcome to the Cathedral of Petra!

Like most archaeology site, there are many layers of the city of Petra. It adds to the excitement! It makes for an adventure like no other. One day, someone will stumble on a valuable clue. Will it be you? Make this the year for discovering the secrets of Petra. Explore the Kings Wall! The exploration of a life-time is waiting!

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Filed Under: Travel Tips, Uncategorized, World Travel Tagged With: corinthian Tomb, Jebel Khubtha, Jordan, King Malchus II, Kings Wall, Nabataean, Palace Tomb, Petra, Royal Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb

Travel back in time And Discover Petra

October 6, 2015 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Journey back in time to Petra

Travel back in time And Discover Petra

Travel back in time! Discover the Ancient City of Petra. Immerse yourself in the journey! Become part of an ancient time. Petra was a hidden city. It was hidden among the cliffs and the rocks. By the fourth century BC, it was the capital of the Nabataean people. These ancient people controlled the main trade routes to and from Arabia.  These trade routes took them from oasis to oasis in the desert. Their skills are astonishing! Their  architecture is impressive. Their art is phenomenal Their journey astounding!

Latter in history they allied themselves with the Romans. Then in a mysterious minute, they became a lost civilization. Petra would stay hidden for many centuries. Then this mysterious city re-appeared. The year was 1812! The lost city of Petra had been found. Travel with us, as we discover this ancient civilization.

Petra was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer,Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. After studying Arabic, Islamic law, and the Koran, he passed himself off as a Muslim and set out on a journey. He traveled through the desert to find the lost city. What he found was unbelievable! Petra is magnificent! It is not something built by untrained nomads! It is the work of skilled laborers. Travel the ancient paths! Cross the deserts! Climb the cliffs! Travel back in time. Discover the mysteries of Petra.

Johann Burckhardt had heard stories from local people about this magnificent ruins. He set out to sacrifice a goat to the Prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses. It was in a narrow mountain valley that he first saw signs of ancient life. It was well off the road. He traveled through a colorful and amazing desert. When he neared the tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses he made a goat sacrifice. It was nearby the tomb of Aaron,  that he got his first glimpse of the ancient city.

Travel among the caves and you will discover some of the beautiful  Hellenistic paintings created by the Nabataean artists. They are the only paintings of this time period that have survived. They are intricate and exciting! They feature the plants and animals of this time. The quality of these magnificent paintings are unbelievable. These were painted by skilled artists during the First Century,  and possibly even before. These paintings show exceptional sophistication. Their use of color is fantastic. Travel to Little Petra, and you will find them on display in the dinning hall.

Petra, which is Greek for “rock,” was carved out of the beautiful red sandstone rock cliffs. This Hellenistic architecture is mind-blowing. The many rooms are incredible!  They sparkle in the sun! There are beautiful ledges for their gods. As the capital of the Nabataeans, it was a cultural and religious center. This advanced civilization was a leader in the world for over 400 years. Travel back in time and discover what it meant to be Nabataean. Who were the people who inhabited this city?

From many ancient discoveries, we can assume that the people who lived here were affluent and prosperous. The surrounding areas speak of the time that vineyards flourished. Ancient grape presses have been found in the surrounding valley. This magnificent city is nestled in the Shera Mountains. This was an important crossroads for traders from Arabia, Syria, Egypt, and Phoenicia. This is an amazing journey! It is an adventure into an ancient time. Back your bags and make this the year that you make the journey. Travel with us to Jordan, for the journey of a life-time.

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Filed Under: Travel Tips, Uncategorized, World Travel Tagged With: Arabia, Egypt, Hellenistic, Hellenistic paintings, Jordan, Journey to Petra, Little Petra, Nabataean, Petra, Phoenicia, Shera Mountains, Syria

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