Words cannot adequately describe Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabateans. If you are unfamiliar with the Nabateans, they were an Arab tribe descended from Ishmael’s eldest son Nebaioth. They lived in the area that would be considered modern day southern Jordan and northern Saudi Arabia. They were merchants and artisans whose society flourished for hundreds of years using Petra as their capital and trading hub. Eventually the Romans came on the scene, and also the z, and the Muslims. All left their imprint on Petra before it was lost to the sands of time following a series of devastating earthquakes.
Petra was rediscovered in modern times in 1812 by Swiss Johaan Burckhardt who, after years of training, masqueraded as an Arab merchant on his way to sacrifice at Aaron’s tomb. Along the way he discovered the ancient city of Petra.
Today Petra is Jordan’s most popular tourist destination and it is easy to see why. It is truly breath-taking.
I should stop writing and just let the pictures do the talking. I visited Petra 6 times this past year (with out-of-town guests) and each time I notice something new. Here are some pics I like. Hope you like them too.
(If a picture is worth a 1000 words – here’s to my longest blog post ever)
Filed under: travel | Tagged: A to Z, A to Z Challenge, Jordan, Petra, travel |
pilgrim without a shrine 
wow nice pics 😀
To arrive on Petra stone wall hills location, it’s not an easy journey. Started from the gateway, we should walk less than 30 minutes.
Stunning photographs! I hope I get to see it in person someday.
those pictures are amazing. i especially like to look at the food.
I know! My family always thinks I’m crazy for taking food pics at restaurants … but it’s always fun to look back on our adventures and remember what we ate along with where we went. Thanks for reading.