Day 14 - September 3, 2013

September 14, 2013

Excited to see a great wonder today.

 

In order to understand the historical significance of Petra, we need to understand Jordan a little first. To this day, Aqaba is and has been a sea port that traffics goods and people among African Asia, and Europe. When trade routes were prosperous 2200 years ago, the camel caravan of China, India, and Europe came to Aqaba through the canyon and passages of Petra. The main reason, and a critical one, was water. Due to Petra's high altitude and natural formation, rain and snow is dependable. Camel convoys came through the canyon as much as 10,000 at times. One can imagine the state of prosperity during that time. The Nabataeans, one of the oldest Arab tribes controlled the whole greater Jordan at the time. Sophisticated hydraulic systems was established to transport water along the way and "no one drop of waste" . Temples were build for worshipping and asking for blessing. Kings and Nobles were buried there wishing to enjoy the beauty of landscape eternally.

The architectural elements has various influences from all over such as Greek, Roman, Egypt and Byzantine yet with Nabataeans taste. It is always build from top to bottom. With its frequent earthquakes, ancient craftsman learned that this way, when there is any collapsing of structure, their work on top will suffer less damage and also less dangerous for workers.

When desert rains, it comes down so fast and flood can wipe out everything. It is believed that it was the at times, unusually huge rain fall, with mud and rocks flooded through the gorge, and provided new ground surface for people to rebuild again. It is the consensus of archeologists that eighty percent of Petra civilization is still unexcavated under the current surface.

 

Suit up for the hike.

Horseback ride to the gate of Petra.

Entrance of Petra.

 

Renee dresses the same as ancient guards.

Rock of Marriage.

 

First sight of the temple "Treasure".

 

 

 

Roman Theater.

Colorful stone in the cave.

A world class rest room. Thank God!

Mosaic floor discovered in 1993 by U.S. research team. It is engraved on a large surface next to a church. Believed to be done in 6th century. Engraving is in Greek depicting laws of trading, marriage, real estate, .... etc.

 

An ancient well. Water still under.

After Nabataean Kingdom annexed to Roman Empire in 106 AD, it still managed to flourish for many years until other trade routes took its place. Petra was gradually abandoned and forgotten. It was rediscovered by Swiss traveler, Johann Ludwing Burckhardt in 1812. Since then, international archaeological team has come and try to rediscover the ancient civilization. This is part of human past that relates to us all.



Geographically and historically, there are many Biblical references in the region. For example, We came to this spring of Moses where Moses tap his stick on ground and the pure and abundant spring water spur out not only for his people following him but enough for seven tribes in Petra. We were told this water is best to drink and it has time reversing effect if you wash with it. For sure we have to try.

One more thing, our tour guide, Mr. Ashraf. He is great! Best story telling. Takes us places not all tour take. Encourage us keep going for "great things to see in front". He is quite young but I think he is a deep thinker and can be a philosopher. He is actually a Petra native. His family lives in Petra for 16 generations. He presented his culture outstandingly. He knows everyone in the park. Shake hands with them all. It touches me how he presented his village people to us. When we run into some village children vendors, he would introduce them to us of their names and age. With respect and no pressure either sides. At the end, Ashraf bought some post cards to give each one of us as souvenir. Really learned a lot from this. Mr. Ashraf served as a great ambassador for his culture and his country today !

Tomorrow, we will fly to Djibouti, Africa. Will spend the next 2 weeks in Africa.

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