architecture and landmarks
This is the most famous structure in Petra, known for its intricate facade and visible immediately after exiting the Siq.
(Al-Khazneh)
These industrious Arab people are the original builders and architects of Petra.
the Nabataeans
Petra is famously nicknamed the "Rose City" because of the color of this material it is carved from.
sandstone
The Nabataeans were famous for mastering the collection and storage of this scarce desert resource.
water
Petra gained massive fame in 1989 when it appeared as the temple in Indiana Jones and the Last... this.
Crusade
To reach this massive structure, which is larger than the Treasury, visitors must climb approximately 800 rock-cut steps.
(Ad-Deir)
Petra became wealthy because it was a major hub on the trade routes for silk and these fragrant goods.
Frankincense and Myrrh
This is the name of the narrow, winding gorge (canyon) that serves as the main entrance to the city.
the siq
To stop flash floods from destroying the Siq and the city, the Nabataeans built these barriers.
dams
In 2007, Petra was voted as one of the "New 7" of these.
Wonders of the World
Carved directly into the rock face, this entertainment venue could seat over 8,000 spectators.
Roman Theater
In 106 AD, the Nabataean kingdom was peacefully annexed by this powerful ancient empire.
the Roman Empire
The modern town located just outside the entrance to Petra is known as Wadi Musa, which translates to this.
Valley of Moses
Water was transported throughout the city using pipes made of this fired clay material.
ceramic
In 1812, this Swiss explorer "rediscovered" Petra for the Western world by dressing as a Bedouin.
Johann Ludwig Burckhardt
This row of impressive facades carved into the mountain includes the Urn Tomb and the Silk Tomb.
Royal Tombs
The decline of Petra was largely caused by a shift in trade routes and a massive one of these natural disasters in 363 AD.
earthquake
Petra is located in this large governorate (province) in southern Jordan.
Ma'an
Hundreds of these underground storage tanks were carved into the rock to save rainwater for the summer.
Cisterns
This United Nations organization designated Petra a World Heritage Site in 1985.
UNESCO
This paved road runs through the center of the city and was once lined with shops and pillars.
Colonnaded Street
The Nabataean written script is considered by historians to be the direct ancestor of this modern language's script.
Arabic
The highest peak in the area is Jebel Haroun, believed to be the burial place of this brother of Moses.
Aaron
This farming technique involved cutting steps into the hillsides to prevent soil erosion and maximize water use.
Terracing
This popular tourist activity allows visitors to walk through the Siq to the Treasury after dark, guided only by candlelight.
Petra by Night