Petra

Petra is a beautiful ancient city carved into red and pink rock cliffs in the country of Jordan. It was built over 2,000 years ago by a group of people called the Nabataeans. Petra was once a busy trading city and is now one of the most amazing places in the world.

One of the most famous buildings in Petra is called Al-Khazneh, or “The Treasury.” It looks like a giant palace, but it was actually a tomb. The front of it is 130 feet tall and carved right into the stone mountain. The Nabataeans didn’t use bricks or blocks. Instead, they carefully carved entire buildings from top to bottom into the rock using simple tools like hammers and chisels.

Petra has more than 800 carved buildings, including homes, temples, and tombs. The Nabataeans also built smart systems to collect rainwater in the desert. They created channels, dams, and underground water tanks that helped people store water during dry times. This shows how skilled they were in science and engineering.

Scientifically, Petra shows how people can work with nature instead of against it. The builders used the natural shape and strength of the rock to make strong and lasting structures. Some of these buildings have survived earthquakes and floods because of their smart designs.

Artistically, Petra is full of beauty. The carvings have columns, statues, and fancy decorations that show a mix of different styles, like Greek and Egyptian. This is because Petra was a trade city where people from many cultures came together. As the sun moves across the sky, the rocks of Petra change color—from pink to orange to red—which makes it look magical.

Petra was hidden for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by a traveler in 1812. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sources:

National Geographic Kids. “Petra.” https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Petra.” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326
Smithsonian Magazine. “Petra: Secrets in the Sand.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com

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