
About Petra
Petra , originally known to its inhabitants as Raqmu or Raqēmō is a historic and archaeological city in southern Jordan. It is adjacent to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah, in a basin surrounded by mountains forming the eastern flank of the Arabah valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The area around Petra has been inhabited from as early as 7000 BC, and the Nabataeans might have settled in what would become the capital city of their kingdom as early as the 4th century BC. Archaeological work has only discovered evidence of Nabataean presence dating back to the second century BC, by which time Petra had become their capital.The Nabataeans were nomadic Arabs who invested in Petra's proximity to the incense trade routes by establishing it as a major regional trading hub.
The trading business gained the Nabataeans considerable revenue and Petra became the focus of their wealth. The Nabataeans were accustomed to living in the barren deserts, unlike their enemies, and were able to repel attacks by taking advantage of the area's mountainous terrain. They were particularly skillful in harvesting rainwater, agriculture and stone carving. Petra flourished in the 1st century AD, when its famous Al-Khazneh structure – believed to be the mausoleum of Nabataean king Aretas IV – was constructed, and its population peaked at an estimated 20,000 inhabitants.
Things to do
Climb to the High Place of Sacrifice or the Monastery : These are two of the highest points in Petra but are easily accessible, as long as you are reasonably fit, and offer the reward of wonderful views. The high place of Sacrifice involves a 30-40 minute climb.
Reaching the Monastery demands some hard climbing, but the reward is worth it when you can see one of the reward is worth it when you can see one of the largest monuments in Petra with a 50-meters square façade. Form this lookout point; you have unbeatable views of the Petra basin and Wadi Araba
Go for a hiking from Little Petra to the Monastery Petra back Trail :The Petra Back Trail is one of the most famous trails in the city. It takes you to the Monastery and can be accessed from Little Petra. Along the way, you will come across several amazing buildings and structures such as temples and tombs.
First, you will have drive to Little Petra, which takes around twenty to thirty minutes. You will hike the three hour trail thought Little Petra. You will enter the path through the Sig, which is a canyon. On the other side of the canyon is the Treasury.
Once there, you can rest and eat at the Basin Restaurant. Go past the Monastery to see amazing views of the mountains and valleys. The Petra Back Trail is one of the first outdoor excursions people take partake in, as it is easy, and then move on to the
Have a Bird's-eye view for the Treasury Al-Khubtha and Al-Madrass Trails :
Both trails, the Al-Khubtha and Al-Madrass give you a bird’s eye view of the Treasury. You can easily access the Al-Khubtha trail because it begins from the Vision Center and takes you to the city through the Siq. The Al-Madrass is a rarely taken trail
You can take the Al-Khubtha trail without a guide, but to navigate the Al-Madrass trail, it is recommended that you get a guide. You need a guide to travel the Al-Madrass trail because the way is not clearly marked and you may get lost if you attempt it alone. Both trails will take your past beautiful and impressive monuments and structures. The landscape before your eyes will change colors and shades.
It will take you around forty minutes, but the landscape before you will be worth the hike. Once you reach the top, you will find the hypnotizing Treasury before you. You will be standing on the edge of the cliff as you look down at the 40-meter tall architecture.