There is a Neolithic village named Bayda and a set of tombs much like
that of "Big" Petra.
Bayda was excavated back in the 60's or so by British archaeologists.
These reconstructions were modeled after the real structures found on
the site.
The structures were built with wooden posts that were held up by
grooves in the walls.
The wood and other organic materials have long since worn away, but the
stone bricks are still there.
Bayda started out as a few circular post dwellings,
But it later grew into a full out village with more advanced
rectangular structures.
There were also a number of grinding stones, that were used in the
preparation of various meals. An interesting complement to surrounding
Bedouin grain.
Little Petra had been the site of the Nobel Peace Banquet, where King
Abdullah and Jimmy Carter ate dinner Wednesday night.
They were still taking down the temporary structures, but for the most
part we could still look at the various tomb facades.
The interiors were black and gray from what is probably smoke damage.
There were water collection facilities and what we call niches. The
niches are box-like indentations in the wall that propably represent
the god Dushara.
Figurines or offerings were probably placed in them anciently.
One structure contained a partly preserved fresco. This particular one
had Greco-Roman influence.
The Siq al-Barid area(Little Petra) was a sort of suburb of Petra.
It was a trade stop. The siq provided shade and was therefore an ideal
place to build.
The atmosphere was enriched by a local musician.
This is the stairway right before the end of the siq that we had to
climb.
The view right outside of the siq was nice.
The area of Little Petra was also an important agricultural area.
These are shots of an outlet from an ancient cistern that is still in
use today.
Pictures
thanks to Jennie Kitchens, Angela Lewis, & Sara Blair.
