People have lived in caves in the area around Petra for last 7000 years, but it was the Nabateans who built the stunning city of rock between 50 BC and 50 AD. Positioned along the ancient spice route, it flourished and prospered in the first and second century AD. But then it was hit with a drought, a flood, and a big earthquake in 363 AD, which destroyed much of the city. By 500 AD it was almost abandoned. We spent three days exploring the caves, churches, trails and tombs of ancient Petra until our stone cup was full.
El Sig is a natural 1.2 kilometre sandstone gorge that gently winds toward the ancient city. Carved out channels on each side held clay pipes that carried fresh water to the bustling metropolis. Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by 27 year old Johann Ludwig Butckhardt (who was searching for the lost city). Imagine walking out of the Sig and coming upon the magnificent treasury for the first time. The Treasury was actually a Nabatean mausoleum and was carved out of a single block. Many archeologists believe it is the mausoleum of King Aretas IV (9 BC – 40 AD)Amazing how much detail was still so preserved after 2000 years There were approximately 20,000 people living in Petra during its peak. The main colonnaded street that ran through Petra’s centre was built by the Romans in 100 AD. It replaced an earlier Nabatean dirt and gravel road and was the main market where frankincense, myrrh, spices and textiles were sold and traded. Incredible colours on very old rocksThere are still approximately 30 extended families living in the caves in Petra. (Many people in Jordan still live in caves.) On the walk up the 1000 steps to the monastery. The Monastery was another huge building carved out of the cliff side. There was no shortage of donkeys and camels. Caves and ancient carved out dwellings dotted the entire landscape. We took a break at what was a garden and a bath house along the ancient trade route on our hike up to ‘the place of high sacrifice’ Random (ancient?) writing in the cliff wall along the trail. The colours of Petra The ‘Place of the high sacrifice’ and it was indeed high. People would gather for ritual animal sacrifices. All I can say is the Nabateans must have been very fit. We start the day with an included breakfast (what we would consider supper food) at the hostel. We have had hail, snow and freezing temperatures and so decided to de-thaw in a hostel for a few nights while exploring Petra without our packs.Sunset over Petra. A Salaam
Okay, I’m envious. Thanks for these stunning photos and the info that goes with them. I’m glad you could leave your packs behind for a couple of days. We’re enjoying gale force winds (chinook)and all the snow is gone. Arranging my trip to Hawaii has been one technical challenge after another. I still can’t figure out ArriveCAN. I may never get back! Enjoy your adventure and stay safe. XO. Sue
On Mon, Feb 7, 2022 at 9:04 AM The Flip Side of Fifty wrote:
> arlenekeith posted: ” People have lived in caves in the area around Petra > for last 7000 years, but it was the Nabateans who built the stunning city > of rock between 50 BC and 50 AD. Positioned along the ancient spice route, > it flourished and prospered in the first and second c” >
Ya It’s all pretty stunning! I think maybe with the chinook the temps may be similar. Man, if you are having tech difficulties sorting outcarrive Canada, I may never get home either. When do you leave for Hawaii? Very cool!
The Flip Side of Fifty 
Sounds like a wonderful time and the hostel’s treat you well. Too bad its not a bit warmer but that’s what you have Gord there for. xo
Haha. Ya, It’s been a nice break here at the hostel. It’s back to the deep freeze tomorrow night but we have enjoyed our time here for sure.xo 💚
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Okay, I’m envious. Thanks for these stunning photos and the info that goes with them. I’m glad you could leave your packs behind for a couple of days. We’re enjoying gale force winds (chinook)and all the snow is gone. Arranging my trip to Hawaii has been one technical challenge after another. I still can’t figure out ArriveCAN. I may never get back! Enjoy your adventure and stay safe. XO. Sue
On Mon, Feb 7, 2022 at 9:04 AM The Flip Side of Fifty wrote:
> arlenekeith posted: ” People have lived in caves in the area around Petra > for last 7000 years, but it was the Nabateans who built the stunning city > of rock between 50 BC and 50 AD. Positioned along the ancient spice route, > it flourished and prospered in the first and second c” >
Ya It’s all pretty stunning! I think maybe with the chinook the temps may be similar. Man, if you are having tech difficulties sorting outcarrive Canada, I may never get home either. When do you leave for Hawaii? Very cool!
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Absolutely stunning. I can understand why you spent the time there!
It really is a spectacular place! We are also glad to have spent the time. It was pricy but very worth it.
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SO COOL
Tanks my girl!! ❤️
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Fantastic pictures, what an incredible trip ! Stay safe & enjoy the rest of your journey
Simply phenomenal.