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Photo by Bernard Gagnon -Wikimedia

Top 20 Facts about Petra, Jordan

*Originally published by Lilian on August 2021 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in November 2023

Petra has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jordan. It is also referred to as the Rose City because of the colour of the stone.

Others call it the Lost City reason being it was hidden from the Western world until 1812. Petra is quite surreal and has one of the most precious cultural properties on man’s heritage.

This lost city served as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom in 300 BC. There are several tombs and temples carved out of the pink rocks.

As an archaeological site, Petra has beautiful rock-hewn architecture and an advanced water management system. This is quite impressive considering the area is in the desert.

It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Check out these 20 facts about Petra.

1. Petra was home to ancient Arabs in the 2^nd Century

The land around Petra has been home to humans from as early as 7000 BC. Archaeologists found evidence proving that the first settlers were the Nabataeans. Petra was the capital of their kingdom until the 4^th century BC.

This group of people were nomadic Arabs who capitalised on Petra’s proximity to trade routes. They established a major regional trading centre.

The trading route brought significant profit to the Nabateans and the city became the source of their wealth. This Arab tribe lived in deserts and mountainous areas.

Their location was strategic as they were able to hide from their enemies. The Nabateans were very skilled in water harvesting, agriculture and stone carving.

One of the most famous structures in Petra is Al Khazneh. It is a stone building that accommodated more than 20,000 people.

2. It was ruled by Romans in 106 AD

Photo by Diego Delso – Wikimedia

For the longest time, the Nabataean kingdom was an affiliate state of the Roman Empire during the 1^st century BC. In 106 AD, the kingdom lost its independence to the Roman Empire.

The Romans took over Nabataea and renamed it Arabia Petraea. This led to a decrease in trade in the city as new trade routes were introduced via the sea.

An earthquake destroyed the city in the year 363. Several structures were destroyed. During the Byzantine era that followed, several Christian churches were built.

Unfortunately, this did not improve the status of Petra. It was later abandoned and was occupied by nomads.

Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Johan Ludwig Burckhardt.

3. Petra was a booming trading centre

The city of Petra started as a trading post for the Nabateans. They were an Arab Bedouin tribe native to the region now known as southwestern Jordan.

This Arab tribe was successful in trade such that their Greek neighbours became jealous of them. They attacked the city in 312 BC and it was the first time the city was recorded in history.

The Nabateans succeeded in fighting the Greek invaders since they were familiar with the mountainous terrain surrounding the city. The mountains acted as their rampart.

4. Petra is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

By Susana hajer – Wikimedia

This ancient city of Petra is half man-made and half rock-hewn. The backdrop of the pink rocks makes Petra a beautiful sight.

Its natural beauty got it a place in the New 7 Wonders of the World and also a UNESCO Heritage Site. UNESCO described it as a place that offers an outstanding universal value.

This was because the city dwellers were very creative and innovative as seen in the architecture and plumbing. Despite being in the middle of the desert, the Nabateans had a sufficient supply of water and food.   

5. Petra means Rock

Its name literally means rocks in Greek because the city was carved from rocks. Greek visitors named it due to its distinctive rock carvings.

The Nabateans were expert rock architects and managed to curve an entire city from rocks. Their culture evolved with improved water systems and farming.

After the Romans attacked and conquered the city, they also attempted to introduce their own architectural styles. The result was a mix of different cultures.

6. There are more than 1000 tombs in Petra

Photo by David Stanley – Wikimedia

The carved tombs in Petra are well detained and beautiful. One of them is the iconic Urn Tomb. This tomb was carved into the façade of the mountain overlooking the rest of the city.

These tombs are said to be the resting place of the noble from the Nabatean tribe. The tombs were carved between the 1^st and 2^nd centuries.  

They also represented the wealth and status of the Nabatean elite. The tombs are huge and richly decorated. Later after they left, Christians built churches alongside the tombs.

7. Petra is considered to be the lost city

At the beginning of the 8^th century A.D., Petra was mostly abandoned and had lost significance. Its unique architecture continues to make it stand out and this caught the eye of archaeologists and historians.

The ruins of this city were discovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. He made it a popular attraction to the Western world.

8. Ancient dwellers of Petra were very innovative

Photo by Dennis Jarvis – Wikimedia

As desert dwellers, the Nabateans had to figure out a method that would help them preserve water. They built dams and other water reservoirs that stored rainwater all year round.

These water reservoirs came in handy when they experienced flooding. With enough water, they were able to practice agriculture.  

To date, people are living in the caves. Some of them were relocated to a new location by the Jordanian government.

9. The face of Petra was not a treasury

The Treasury also known as Al-Khazneh, is the most famous rock structure of Petra. This was the face of the ancient city because of how elaborate it was. The structure is so popular and most people believed that it was Petra itself.

Furthermore, the structure is not a treasury but a mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV. It is the most photographed site in Petra.

10. The City of Petra was destroyed by an Earthquake and flash floods

Photo by Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia

Most of the buildings in Petra were destroyed by an earthquake in A.D. 363. This led to the decline of the popularity and prosperity of the city.

Another disaster that destroyed the city was flood water. Several flash floods saw the destruction of several structures and loss of life.

In 1960, the Jordanian government restored the neglected dams that the Nabateans built.

11. Nomadic shepherds used the caves for shelter

In 106 A.D., the Romans attacked and seized control of Petra. Petra’s influence diminished from that point on as new maritime trade routes were developed. Then, in the year 363, an earthquake obliterated a large portion of the city’s buildings.

Then Petra came under the rule of the Byzantines for around 300 years. Most locals left and abandoned Petra by the ninth century A.D. The caves were utilized as shelter by wandering shepherds for several decades after that. Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer, “rediscovered” Petra in 1812, at which point the Western world learned of “The Lost City.”

12. The Treasury is really a mausoleum

Great Temple of Petra by Bernard Gagnon from

One of the most intricate buildings in Petra and among the most exquisite structures on earth is the Treasury. Al-Khazneh, which means “treasury,” is the name in Arabic. The building was thought to contain treasure by the neighbourhood.

The Nabateans, however, initially erected it as a mausoleum and crypt. Numerous legendary characters connected to the afterlife were used as decorations. You may see an urn on the building’s second floor. The urn has gunshot holes that may be seen if you look closely. Local Bedouins reportedly shot at the urn in the hopes that its treasure would spill out.

13. The main entrance to the city is through The Siq

By traversing the breathtaking Siq Canyon, you can enter the city of Petra. This 1.2km-long ravine opens up to show the magnificent façade of the Treasury, which is framed on either side by colourful, tall cliffs.

14. Just 15% of Petra is uncovered

Petra is four times as big as Manhattan and spans an area of more than 100 square miles. Most of the city—about 85%—is still underneath and hasn’t been dug up. Petra, which at the time had a population of about 20,000, served as the capital during the height of Nabataean dominance.

15. It’s near a famous Biblical site

Monastery by Diego Delso from

The Bible claims that Moses collected water from a rock in Wadi Musa, also known as the Valley of Moses. The source of Petra’s water was said to be here, where, in accordance with Biblical legend, water continued to flow even after Moses’s miraculous deed.

Even though Petra’s builders were not Christians, Wadi Musa’s proximity to the ancient city makes it an alluring destination for Christian pilgrims.

16. Petra was a cosmopolitan city

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Petra is an ancient city located in the Jordanian desert that was a centre of diverse cultures and advanced engineering. The city was established by the Nabataeans in the 6th century BC and served as a vital trading hub, connecting the Mediterranean with the spice routes of the East along the Silk Road. The city was home to a diverse population of Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Persians who spoke a mix of languages that were heard throughout its streets.

The city’s architecture was an impressive blend of Nabataean, Greek, and Roman styles, showcasing a fusion of ideas and traditions. The Siq, a narrow gorge, was the heart of the city, with towering sandstone cliffs that whispered stories of a bygone era. Petra was a melting pot of civilizations where scholars, philosophers, and artists from different backgrounds came together to stimulate intellectual discussion and encourage creative expression. This exchange of knowledge and human understanding made Petra a beacon of learning and a centre of cultural exchange.

17. Petra is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims

, , via Wikimedia Commons

For Muslims, the Jordanian desert city of Petra is a holy place of pilgrimage. It is a well-liked travel destination for pious Muslims worldwide because of its stunning architecture and historical charm. The Quran, which narrates the story of Prophet Moses and his brother Aaron, who sought safety in the area, is the source of the city’s spiritual significance.

Islamic legend holds that Petra is a sacred place since Aaron’s grave is located inside its walls. Many pilgrims climb Mount Hor, a majestic summit, to pay their respects and seek spiritual comfort. Petra offers a journey through time and faith and is a wonderful destination for Muslims because of its unique historical and spiritual significance.

18. You can hike at Petra

Petra is a popular destination for hikers, offering a variety of trails suitable for all fitness levels. The Siq Trail, a narrow gorge leading to the Treasury, is a popular choice, offering breathtaking views and hidden treasures.

The Monastery Trail, a challenging 800-step climb to Ad Deir Monastery, offers stunning views. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the High Place of Sacrifice Trail, a 4-kilometer-long and three-hour hike, takes you to the top of Jabal Madhbah, a mountain with panoramic views of Petra and the surrounding desert. These trails provide an unforgettable experience for all levels of hikers.

19. Petra is a popular filming location 

Petra, a renowned city in Jordan, has been a popular filming location for decades due to its unique blend of ancient architecture, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It has also been featured in numerous documentaries and television shows, making it a captivating subject for exploration on screen due to its captivating history and cultural significance.

20. Petra is home to a number of water channels and cisterns

Petra, an ancient city in Jordan, is known for its network of water channels and cisterns. The Nabataeans, skilled engineers and architects, developed a sophisticated system for water conservation, directing rainwater from the mountains into underground reservoirs. These cisterns, some capable of holding up to 100,000 litres, provided a vital source of water for the city’s inhabitants.

Additionally, they developed dams and canals to control water flow and prevent erosion. This water management system allowed Petra to thrive for centuries, despite its desert location. The remains of these ancient waterworks today serve as a testament to the Nabataean people’s ingenuity and resourcefulness.