Petra is an ancient Nabatean city that has many structures that are cut
out of the natural sandstone.
Most of these strucutres were tombs. The one in the center is called
the Palace Tomb.
The entrance to Petra is called the Siq. It is a narrow passage between
two walls of rock.
Petra's water supply was brought in by this little canal.
When the Romans failed to effectly siege the city by other means they
blocked this up. Without water the city quickly surrendered.
There are different carvings in the walls of the Siq.The center one is
of a man leading a camal caravan.
The first thing you see when you enter Petra and leave the Siq is the
Khazneh. It should look familiar.
It is the place where the Holy Grail is kept in Indiana Jones and the
Last Crusade.
This is the Roman Amphitheater. The rows and stairs are carved right
into the natural rock.
The sandstone in Petra can practically be any color.
This tomb is called the Painted Tomb because of the natural patterns in
the sandstone.
Pictures
thanks to Julie MacDonald & Jennie Kitchens.
