PETRA.
Petra is an ancient city in Jordan, that was made known to the western world in the year 1812, when a Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig announced it. Imagine that half of a city is being carved into a huge rock. Isn't it wonderful?
Today, lets revisit some of the questions that followed yesterday's wonder.
Who built petra?
- Petra was carved out of sandstone cliffs which was found in Jordan and history says Nabataeans built temple and tombs, houses and halls, alters and aquaduets.
Who discovered Petra and when?
- His name, Johann Ludwig Burchardt also known as John Lewis. Born 24th November 1784 died October 1817 discovered Petra. He was a Swiss traveller, geographer and orientalist. He is best known for rediscovering the ancient Nabataean city of Petra.
In Review of the historical background of petra I'd say that Petra
- Built: possibly as early as 5th century B. C
- Location : Ma'an Governorate, Jordan.
- Elevation : 810m (about 2,657ft)
- Area: 264 square kilometers
Here are some other interesting facts about this great Wonder!
- The rock into which the city is carved is pink in color, giving the place its nickname, Rose City.
- The Nabataeans, who built this rock-carved city, also designed a water conduit system that was way advanced for their time. The museum in Petra displays the pipes that were used for this system.
- A UNESCO Heritage Site, Petra is one of the top “28 places you must visit before you die” list by the Smithsonian.
- The city has over 600 structures in it, including a mausoleum of a pharaoh.
- Remember Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? A part of the movie was shot at Petra.
Some times i stumble to wonder about how petra was built. As an architect i know that buildings such a great structure will take a million people with different ideas for the whole design to be actualized.
Antipate the next wonder!
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