40 Historical Facts about Petra Jordan
Petra is an ancient city located between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea. Petra is one of the famous attractions in Jordan and is also one of the world’s most popular historic archeological sites. Here are some interesting Petra Jordan facts.
1. Petra is located in the Kingdom of Jordan.
2. Petra name is derived from a feminine Greek word “Petros” which means “rocks.”
3. Petra is half-built and carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains and passages.
4. Petra was the capital city of Nabataeans.
5. European studies originate that Nabataeans constructed the Petra city to track the astronomical movements of the sun.
6. Sometimes Petra is called ‘Rose City’due to Rose-Red colored sandstone hills.
7. Petra is enclosed by the red-tinged peaks which create a reddish appearance.
8. A Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered Petra in 1812.
9.The site is not only beautiful, but also secure – the winding, narrow gorge, or As-Siq, at its eastern entrance, would have lent itself to defending the city from invaders.
10. To go inside Petra, one has to pass through a narrow canyon of about 1 km.
11. Non-stop salt blowing is currently freezing the pores of the building material.
12. Petra is an enormous city of tombs, monuments, and sacred structures.
13. The ancient city of Petra is situated in Wadi Musa.
14. As of its ancient significance structure, it was confirmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
15. Petra has around 800 carved tombs.
16. Petra was selected as one of the 28 Places to see before you die by Smithsonian Magazine.
17. Petra was established as early as 312 BC.
18. UNESCO defines Petra as the ‘Most expensive traditional properties of man’s traditional heritage’.
19. Biblical references refer to Petra as ‘the cleft in the rock’.
20. Petra, Jordan is one of the new seven wonders of the world.
21. Petra is an important junction for the silk and spice trade routes.
22. 360-degree street view of Petra Jordan is available on Google Maps.
23. The ground of Petra is very uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams/pushers.
24. In Petra, the Pharoah’s Treasure mausoleum is considered the most famous place.
25. Treasury is estimated to be over 2,000 years.
26. Petra was the capital of the Byzantine province of Palaestina III.
27. Petra is one of the oldest metropolises in the world.
28. The surrounding area of Petra has an archeological park occupying 265 square meters.
29. Petra Theatre was formerly constructed in Hellenistic style in 106 AD.
30. The Petra theater can seat between 5,000 to 8,000 people.
31. Petra’s ruins are among the world’s most renowned archaeological sites.
32. The Crusaders built the Kerak Castle and Al-Karak forts in Petra.
33. Automobiles are prohibited in Petra city, but donkeys, horse drew carriages and camels aren’t.
34. Around 8 million tourists visit Jordan annually.
35. The Dead Sea in Jordan is a natural wonder and the lowest point on earth.
36. Nabataean was the most populated city with 20,000 residents.
37. Many churches were excavated in and around Petra from the Byzantine era.
38. Until now, only 15% of the Petra was discovered and 85% still underground.
39. Half of the city was destroyed by earthquakes In 363 A.D.
