In southern Jordan, just under three hours from capital Amman, one of the most recognisable ancient sites in the MIddle East - and indeed, the world - was rediscovered by archaeologists in 1812. But it dates back to at least the 2nd century BCE and probably earlier, settled by an ancient Bedouin Arab tribe called the Nabataeans, who spoke Aramaic rather than Arabic and grew into a wealthy, powerful kingdom which at its height - and until it was absorbed by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century CE - controlled territory and trade - and especially the frankincese trade - from what is today the west coast of Saudi Arabia up to Damascus.
The most iconic structure of Petra´s Hellenistic architecture is of course the Treasury, the first site you see after the end of the Siq the narrow gorge stretching from an outside valley more than a kilomter (3/4 of a mile) through the sandstone. It got its name from the Bedouins (al-Khazneh in Arabic), as it was believed that there was a treasure hidden in a jar near its top, and many of archaeologists theorise that it was a temple as well as a royal tomb for King Aretas VI, who ruled from aroud 9 BCE to 40 CE.
For more, read Tripatini contributor 0ooauhxlle31m´s post Petra, the Mysterious Jewel of Jordan.
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