Petra

I am sure my high school World History teacher Mr. Lindsey mentioned Petra. But I must have forgotten. Everyone knows about the Greeks and Romans but after seeing Petra I decided that the Nabateans deserve some more appreciation. The Nabateans had practically nothing but rocks out in the desert and they built this incredible city.

Here is my short history lesson:

The Nabatean people arrived in Petra around 400 BC, displacing the former inhabitants, the Edomites (Idumaeans).

Archaeological evidence reveals that the Nabateans rose to power due to their remarkable ability to control the limited water supply of their desert environment. They used water cisterns, dams and water conduits to create an artificial oasis.

They dominated Near Eastern trade for 600 years with their delicate eggshell-thin pottery and incense. They worshipped their gods through burning incense and animal sacrifices at open-air altars called high places or in temples. Elite Nabateans had the luck of being buried in rock cut tombs with carved facades. These facades have Persian and Egyptian influence. Greco-Roman influence is seen in later architecture.

We had roughly four hours to explore Petra on our own. I traveled around the site in a small group and we were able to see just about everything. I loved the scenic views, the friendly Bedouins, the camels and the freedom to wander around at my own pace. 

I had a really hard time picking through my photos. I took tons. Here is a sample.

Start off walking through a narrow canyon.

Then BOOM! All of a sudden "The Treasury" one of the most ornate facades in Petra, built as early as 100 BC. 

Camels and donkeys all over.

Bedouin women laying out their wares

amphitheater

tombs 

I am glad that we started early because the sun was hot, hot, hot

McKay making new friends

Bedouin girl

Bedouins live in tents woven with camel or goat hair

I was one of the first people to reach the monastery that morning. Really enjoyed the hike up to it.  

Tombs near monastery

Bedouin woman 

Bedouin woman herding goats

Anna, Lily and Scarlett

The monastery was my favorite spot

working hard

we were invited to stop for tea many times

Bedouin family relaxing in the cool shade of a tomb

Liddy rode her donkey (Andrew) all the way up to the high place

Felt like a different planet at times

view from the "The High Place"

view from the "The High Place"

altar

Sometimes the sandstone is a rainbow of purples, blues, yellows, reds

inside a beautiful tomb

Bedouin family

tombs

I didn't think I would enjoy riding a camel this much. But I did. We all did. 

Liddy's feet afterwards

This was such an incredible experience. Definitely one of my favorite days thus far. I wish everyone could go to Petra. Especially Mr. Lindsey.