The architecture of Petra

The first Nabataeans, who came to Petra lived in tents that formed fairly loose encampment among the rocks, and in natural caves. Progressively, with the change of lifestyle new residents from a nomadic to a settled, they began to emerge flat, white buildings, which today can be a lot to see in Jordan. In the heyday city crossed one main street lined with white stone. On the terraces were located three large markets, surrounded by shops and numerous structures carved in the rock - from temples and palaces, and ending with the magnificent tombs. In Petra was also a large theater, building testified to the cultural development of the city.

Petra settlement was carved in the rock, in many ways resembled other cities of its era, such as. Ephesus. Nabataeans, being recently nomadic people, they had no tradition of builders, which necessitated them reaching the patterns of other cultures. Therefore, a characteristic feature of the architecture of Petra is the intersection of architectural styles of Egyptian, Syrian, Greek (mainly Hellenistic) and Roman. Nabataeans developed its own design, which in effect led to the development of their own, original style.

A significant expansion of the city made Aretas IV in the first half. I. Century AD, referring mainly to the style of Roman architecture. The reign of the rulers of Petra is called the golden age of the monumental building. Then was built a temple - the so-called. Qasr al-Bint (Palace of Pharaoh's Daughter), theater, expanded the existing water supply system.

The monumental building is dominated by the influence of Greco-Roman, mainly for the reason that were created in the period of Roman domination of political and Greek superiority in culture and art. The distinguishing feature of the architecture of the Nabateans is the use of numerous pilasters with heavy, richly decorated capitals.

The graves have been forged in the rocks as the burial caves with richly decorated entrances in the shape of a triangle. Sometimes there were also built in the shape of pyramids - the so-called. nefesh - indicating strong Egyptian influence.

The most famous buildings of Petra:

Al-Chazna called by the Bedouins "The Treasury" (Chaznat al-Firaun) is carved in the rock, floor structure was formed around. I-II. A.D. It is the flagship and most famous monument of Petra. It is seen as the first after entering the city. At that time tradesmen have to make a stunning impression. It is not clear purpose buildings, although recently most common view that it was the tomb (and not the Temple), one of the rulers of Petra.

Ad-Deir, meaning "monastery" the name comes from the Byzantine period, when in this building actually was a Christian monastery.

Qasr al-Bint, ie. Palace of Pharaoh's daughter. It is a temple erected from sandstone in the second half. I c. BC (Reign Obodas III 30-8 BC), or in the first half. I. Century AD, which is already in the reign of Aretas IV.

Huge impressive big group Tombs of the Kings on the so-called Wall of the Royal, which consists of "Urn Tomb," "Tomb of Silk", "Tomb of Corinth," and the monumental "Tomb Palace"; not found in them any remains.

In the city there was the theater, one of the largest object in Petra, suitable from 6 up to 10 thousand spectators. It was probably built in the first century. Also during the reign of Aretas IV.

In Petra there are also residential buildings, carved in the rocks with numerous windows, mainly consist of one room, sometimes resemble bunk houses.

The history of Petra

Petra is the ruined city of the Nabateans, which had prosperity in ancient times, between the III. BC for I c. A.D. Petra was then the capital of the kingdom of the Nabateans. It is located in a rocky valley, which leads one narrow road among the multicolored and inaccessible rocks. Petra is famous for its buildings carved into the rocks. The Nabataeans called Petra Rqm (Rakmu), which means "multicolored".

Before Petra settled Nabataeans, the place was inhabited by different groups of hunters, gatherers and nomads. Archaeologists found the settlements from the Neolithic period (c. 9000 BC). Until the Arab conquest valley of Petra was regularly inhabited by different groups of nomads.

The first known mention of the living Nabataeans in Petra come from  IV in. BC, but certainly they were there before - probably from the sixth century. BC Since III in. BC role of the city has increased considerably, thanks to the location at the crossroads of trade routes - from India to Egypt and from southern Arabia to Syria - has become an important transportation hub and commercial center in the region. Nabataeans from Petra profited from both the supply caravans of water and other necessary equipment during the trip, as well as imposed on merchants a variety of fees and trading. Safe location of the town among the rocks is another factor that contributed to the growing importance of the Nabateans and Petra prosperity.

Petra Nabataeans resident led a fairly quiet life. Little is known about this period of development rock town, but it was then Petra gradually became a permanent settlement with an urban character. The increasing weakness of the Hellenistic empires, supported the development of Petra, which has become the center of a powerful monarchy Nabateans, constantly expanding his dominion at the expense of declining powers.

When in 64 BC some areas in the Middle East conquered the Roman commander Pompey the Great, Petra was still unbeaten and independent. They failed to win Petra also the king of Judea, Herod the Great, attempting to gain Petra together with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, nor the emperor Octavian Augustus. However, Petra supported the Roman Empire for the price of peace. It gave the rulers of rock state status to the client, having as an ally of the empire a significant degree of independence. This period is the peak of the importance and prosperity of the city, especially during the reign of King Aretas IV (9 BC - 40 r. Century AD). It is estimated that the number of inhabitants ranged from 30-40 thousand.

The status of a formal alliance and the relative independence of Petra, lasted until the time of Emperor Trajan, who took the city in 106 AD., A year after the death of its last ruler Rabel II and established in the new capital of the Roman province - Saudi. 

It was the end of an independent kingdom of the Nabateans. But still, Petra was an important trading center in the region. In the year 130 to Petra arrived Emperor Hadrian to inspect the province. He so liked Petra that, he decided to invest in its development. As part of the Pax Romana, Petra experienced its economic and cultural renaissance. After the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. The population Petry adopted Christianity. In the Middle Ages, during the Crusades, Petra was occupied by the Crusaders, who built here two citadels. The city subsequently gained by Saladin, was largely destroyed. In the fall of Petry they had had important natural disasters, specifically earthquakes. Especially earthquake of 363. Caused a lot of damage and contributed to a significant depopulation of the city.

July 7, 2007 Petra was declared one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Photos by Mag Jack