Petra is a city in southern Jordan that the Nabatean Empire built over 2000 years ago. It’s known as “the rose city” because of its pink sandstone and buildings give it a unique look. But why did the Nabateans build such an elaborate civilization and leave behind so many structures? And how do they survive for long in such an arid climate? Take a look at some of my favorite facts about this wonder of the world!
History
The name “Petra” means rock in greek. It is the Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, and English name of this city. In greek, it is called πέτρα, meaning stone or rock. Petra also called the Rose City, is over 2000 years old. It has gotten UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is a popular tourist destination in Jordan. Petra was only added to the list of wonders in 2007. You might be surprised to learn that Petra was only added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1985. And it wasn’t until 2007 that Petra was added to the list of wonders of the world. How did this ancient city end up on such high-ranking lists? We’ll give you a clue: it depends on its location.
Ancient Water Management System
The Nabatean Empire that created Petra could live so long because they were adept at water management. The Nabateans lived in the desert for so long because of their water management system. They had dams and terraces that stored rainwater, cisterns that stored rainwater and groundwater, and a sophisticated system of irrigation channels. The Nabatean’s water management system was also responsible for another wonder: Petra itself. The city was built on top of a mountain that has many caves at its base due to the erosion caused by heavy rainfall over time.
What makes this city so unique?
It’s an open-air museum with rock-cut architecture and buildings dating back 2,000 years ago, right alongside modern conveniences like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Over 500,000 people visit Petra every year. Time magazine named the city “the most amazing place on earth.” In ancient times, Petra was important because it lay along important trade routes, and the Petra empire collected taxes from all the travelers who passed through.
Conclusion
Petra is a wonder for many reasons. It’s one of the oldest cities to exist, and it was able to survive for so long because of its clever water management system, which included dams, terraces, and cisterns. The Nabatean Empire that created Petra could live long because they were adept at water management. Over 500,000 people visit Petra yearly because it’s such a fantastic place with rich history!
