Hidden among the towering sandstone mountains of southwestern Jordanthe ancient city of petra It emerges as an architectural miracle that has withstood the passage of centuries. Its modern discovery was as astonishing as the story of its creation itself: for more than 1,000 years it was considered a myth until the Swiss explorer in 1812 Johann Burckhardt He managed to see her for the first time after posing as a Muslim pilgrim.
Since then, Petra has become one of the most iconic archaeological destinations in the world. Its most famous facade, Al Khazneh (The Treasury)immortalized in films like Indiana Jones and the last crusadeis just the gateway to a vast complex of tombs, temples and streets that tell the story of a lost civilization. But who were the ingenious builders of this city? What led to his mysterious abandonment?
To find answers, archaeologists have unearthed clues to a past that combines wealth, spirituality and tragedy, unraveling the secrets of a people whose vision transformed an arid desert into an unrivaled center of commerce and culture.
The Nabataeansan ancient Arab tribe, were the geniuses behind Petra. They founded the city around the 4th century BC and turned it into a prosperous commercial center. Located at a strategic crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and the Mediterranean, the city prospered thanks to its caravan routes carrying incense, spices and silk.
The Nabataeans amassed fortunes through a system of commercial taxes, according to historical records. “This wealth is reflected in Petra,” said archaeologist Zeyad Al-Salameen in an interview with Nat Geo. The income allowed its inhabitants to build an impressive metropolis with temples, baths, markets and a large colonnaded street.
The construction of Petra is a monumental achievement. Its inhabitants sculpted more than 600 facades directly into the sandstone rock, creating tombs, sanctuaries and ceremonial places. Al Khaznehat 40 meters high, is the most famous structure, although archaeologists believe it was a mausoleum, not a treasure, as local legends suggest.
One of the most recent discoveries was a hidden grave under this emblematic façade, where they were found 12 skeletons along with ceramic and bronze artifacts. Although some sensational reports suggested a link to the Holy Grail, experts debunked this theory, clarifying that one of the skeletons was simply holding a “juglet” or common vessel.
The Nabataeans also stood out for their advanced knowledge in hydraulic engineering. They created a water collection system which included canals, reservoirs and dams, essential for maintaining a population of more than 30,000 people in a hostile desert environment.
Despite her splendor, Petra could not resist the destructive force of nature. A earthquake in 363 AD destroyed much of its infrastructure, including its vital water system. Although some inhabitants remained, decline was inevitable. Centuries later, another great earthquake depopulated the city, whose inhabitants moved to nearby settlements.
Roman records mention the annexation of Petra in 106 AD, which marked the beginning of its decline as a commercial center. The opening of new sea routes also diverted trade, sealing the city’s fate.
Despite decades of excavations, Petra still keeps secrets. Many of its structures, including homes and administrative buildings, remain buried under sand. The lack of written records from the Nabataeans themselves has also made it difficult for archaeologists to reconstruct key aspects of their daily lives, such as their religious rituals and social organization.
“The city is alive; it still speaks to us through its ruins,” said Al-Salameen, who grew up exploring Petra’s ancient temples and monuments. For researchers, each discovery is a piece of a puzzle that continues to fascinate the modern world.
Thus, the lost city of petradeclared UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern Worldremains an eternal symbol of human creativity in the face of the most extreme challenges. petra It is not just a vestige of the past, but living proof that even in the most inhospitable desert, greatness can flourish.
