Petra is an ancient Nabatean city in southern Jordan famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time". It is deservedly one of the (new) 7 Wonders of the World. While many may not know the name Petra (I did not until recently), it was prominently featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and other movies so often people at least recognize its likeness.
Petra's origin is still somewhat unclear, though evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other sources suggest it was founded around 300 B.C. and was at its height from around AD50 to 300. While the Nabateans were a distinct culture, Petra served as a trading crossroads at a key juncture for traders coming across the Sinai from Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, and to the prominent Greek and Roman lands to the north. As a result, Petra became extremely wealthy, which can be seen today in the intricate carvings of amazing magnitude. The architectural influence of each of these cultures (Greek and Roman columns, Egpytian pyramidal designs, etc) are also visible.
The primary attractions today are the amazingly preserved ruins of buildings which due to the high quality construction and arid desert conditions are still almost perfectly preserved. The city is literally carved into canyon walls, and runs for several miles through the desert. There are hundreds of tombs, statues, buildings, an amphitheater, temples, and more carved out of the wall.
Like Machu Picchu (probably the only place in the world I have been that is comparable to Petra), the interplay of the beautiful natural setting and the ancient cityscape is absolutely incredible.
The major ruins of Petra are approached through a long narrow canyon known as the Siq. This 900km hike is pretty spectacular in itself.
We did the Siq hike once at night (while the candlelit walk was pretty spectacular, the freezing rain took a little away from the atmosphere) and again during the morning. As Petra is in a flood plain, the Nabateans built a system of dams to prevent flash floods from filling the canyon and also carved piping / drainage systems into the canyon walls to fill the village. At the end of the Siq stands the Treasury, the most famous and best preserved landmark.
Full view of the Treasury - massive and beautiful
Tombs and temples lined the incredibly colorful pink canyon walls
More intricately carved massive ruins
An overview shot of one tiny portion of Petra to show the massive area it covers
The gang in some cave/tombs
We also hiked up to the "Monastery", an area overlooking the ruins on one side and the canyons on the other. A pretty long hike, but the view was spectacular.
Finally, a much needed rest with the Jordanian flag in the background
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