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.