Is Petra real?

Petra is an ancient city that lies in present-day Jordan and dates back to the fourth century B.C. Ruins of the once-great metropolis and trading center now serve as an important archeologic site and tourist attraction.

Does the city of Petra still exist?

The “Lost City” still has secrets to reveal: Thousands of years ago, the now-abandoned city of Petra was thriving. Carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink, and sandstone cliff faces, the prehistoric Jordanian city of Petra was “lost” to the Western world for hundreds of years.

Why was the ancient city of Petra abandoned?

Petra’s importance declined as sea trade routes emerged, and after an earthquake in 363 destroyed many structures. In the Byzantine era several Christian churches were built, but the city continued to decline, and by the early Islamic era it was abandoned except for a handful of nomads.

Is Petra the oldest city in the world?

Petra is believed have been established in 312 BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It was the capital city of Nabateans, who were ancient southern Arab people that arrived in Jordan around the 6th century BC.

Is there anything inside Petra?

These are carved into the very rock the city is built on. Some main archeological sites inside the city are the Treasury – the tomb of a Nabatean king, the Monastery – an isolated mountain temple, a theatre, government buildings and dwelling for regular people.

What does Petra mean in Hebrew?

Sela (Hebrew: סֶּלַע‎, transliteration Sela‛, meaning rock; Arabic: السلع‎, es-Sela‛; Greek: πέτρα, ‘Petra’; Latin: petra) is a geographical name encountered several times in the Hebrew Bible. Since, when used with article, it simply translates to “the rock”, it is unreasonable to connect it to just one location.

Was Moses in Petra?

It is said that Moses passed through the valley and struck water from the rock for his followers at the site of Ain Musa (“Moses Spring” or “Moses’ Well”). The Nabateans built channels that carried water from this spring to the city of Petra. Wadi Musa was also nicknamed the “Guardian of Petra”.

Where is Petra from the Bible?

southwest Jordan
Where is Petra located? The ruins of the ancient city Petra are in southwest Jordan. Petra was built on a terrace, pierced from east to west by the Wadi Mūsā (the Valley of Moses).