Along the way, the Bedouin people (many of whom are still nomads, living in elaborate tents woven from goat hair) tend their livestock. Dotted around the landscape, we would see an individual in flowing robes, herding their flock of goats, assisted by either a couple of donkeys, maybe a horse, or perhaps a couple of camels.
Petra itself is more than two thousand years old and was the capital of the Nabataean Empire from the first century BC. Later, it was occupied by Romans and Byzantines, but was abandoned after an earthquake in 363 AD. It lay gathering sand until 1812, when a Swiss explorer set out to rediscover it.
For now, we are going to post just a few example photos. We'll come back when we get home and edit in some more or create another entry. So here we go:
First, one passes through the Bab Al Siq, or Gateway to the Siq. This area leads to the gorge that is the approach to the main Petra area. There are several Tombs, including the Obelisk Tomb from the first century AD.
Next, the Siq itself. It's a narrow gorge just over one kilometer long and it reveals the vivid colors of the rocks. It also holds many relics from Petra's past, including a paved road.
The Siq opens up onto the amazing Treasury, which is almost 40 meters high. It's believed to have been carved into the rock from the top down and is thought to be the mausoleum of the Nabataean King Aretas IV, who died around 40 AD.
Around the corner from the Treasury is the Street of Facades. It's a row of monumental tombs carved into the cliff face.
Farther on, there is a Roman-type amphitheater, and finally, high up on the cliff, the Royal Tombs. They are four adjoining facades that have been used for many purposes, including a church and a ceremonial hall.
OK, so that's the quick view. As mentioned above, more pictures from this incredible site to come when we get home.
