The Ancient City of Petra, Jordan

The Ancient City of Petra, Jordan

Introduction

This paper is an analysis of one of the most influential and historically signifant structures of the world: the ancient and beautiful city of Petra, Jordan. The literal meaning of the word Petra is 'Stone' and is derived from the Arabic word 'Al Batra', which means the same thing. The most famous thing about Petra is its architecture, the stone cut design in which it is made and the water conduit systems that were made at that time.

Petra was established in the early 300BCs. Many archaelogists believe that the actual date when the city was constructed is 312BC but nothing can be said with cent percent accuracy. It was then the capital city of Nabataeans, the tribe that resided in these parts during that time. The city is one of the oldest and most important symbols of Jordan. Today, it has also become one of the most significant tourist attraction spot. Petra lies on the slope of 'Mount Hor', which is a basin in the mountains on the Eastern Arabah (known famously as Wadi Arabah). This valley runs from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The UNESCO has termed Petra as one of the 'World Heritage Sites' since 1985 (Aquaziam, 2011).

The ancient city of Petra

The designer/architect

Not much is known about the architect or designer of the place. Petra was not formed by one designer or architect, rather, it was formed through time by the settlement of people in the place. Some believe it was formerly a sanctuary whereas others believe it was a fortress that later became a city. Whatever the case is, Petra has formed through time and has seen its share of development and grandeur as well as diminish and decline. It is the structure of Petra that is of note and much interest to construction experts, even today. At a time when most of Egypt was being built out of yellow stones and large square bricks, Petra is made from rose red stone, giving it a beautiful rose-red outlook and a very unique design (Aquaziam, 2011).

Who built the structure?

The origin of Petra is a little hazy, considering the fact that it was built at a time when documentation hardly existed. However, from the artefacts and historical evidence retrieved, it has been concluded that settlement in the city began around the 18th Century with the dynasties of Egypt. The earlier names of the place, as retrieved from some letters and slabs discovered around Egypt, were Sela, Pel and Seir. It is possible that the different languages and dialects that existed in that place during that time might have something to do with the different names that the place was given. It was a common practice during that time for people from different clans to assign different names to the same place. Some historians believe that Petra was previously a sanctuary that later changed into a city.

Petra: The Treasury

Some historians also believe that the place served as a ...