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Ancient Encyclopedia Entry 1780928347

** The ancient city of Petra, carved into the sandstone cliffs of Jordan, was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a major center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. **CONTENT:** ### Overview Petra, the Rose City, is an ancient archaeological site and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Located in modern-day Jordan, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a powerful and influential empire that controlled a vast network of trade routes between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Founded in the 6th century BCE, Petra was a major center of commerce, culture, and learning, attracting visitors and traders from all over the ancient world. The city's unique architecture, carved into the sandstone cliffs, is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Nabataeans, who were masters of engineering and stonework. Petra's strategic location at the crossroads of the ancient world made it an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. The city's merchants traded in a wide range of goods, including spices, textiles, metals, and precious stones. Petra's reputation as a center of learning and culture was also well-deserved, with scholars and philosophers from all over the ancient world visiting the city to study and share knowledge. The city's famous library, which housed a vast collection of manuscripts and scrolls, was a major center of learning and intellectual inquiry. Despite its importance, Petra's history is marked by periods of decline and abandonment. The city was eventually conquered by the Roman Empire in 106 CE, and it was later abandoned as a major center of trade and culture. However, Petra's legacy lived on, and the city was rediscovered in the 19th century, when it became a major tourist destination. ### History/Background The history of Petra begins in the 6th century BCE, when the Nabataeans, a group of Arabian tribes, established a small settlement in the area. The city's early history is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that the Nabataeans were attracted to the area by its natural resources, including water and fertile soil. Over time, the city grew and prospered, becoming a major center of trade and culture. Petra's golden age began in the 1st century BCE, when the Nabataeans established a powerful and influential empire that controlled a vast network of trade routes. The city's merchants traded in a wide range of goods, including spices, textiles, metals, and precious stones. Petra's reputation as a center of learning and culture was also well-deserved, with scholars and philosophers from all over the ancient world visiting the city to study and share knowledge. The city's famous library, which housed a vast collection of manuscripts and scrolls, was a major center of learning and intellectual inquiry. The library was said to contain works by famous philosophers and writers, including Aristotle and Euclid. Petra's scholars and philosophers made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. ### Key Information * **Founding:** 6th century BCE * **Conquest by Rome:** 106 CE * **Abandonment:** 4th century CE * **Rediscovery:** 19th century CE * **Location:** Petra, Jordan * **Population:** Estimated 20,000-30,000 inhabitants at its peak * **Language:** Nabataean Arabic * **Currency:** Nabataean currency, including coins and bullion Petra's architecture is one of its most famous features. The city's buildings, including temples, tombs, and palaces, were carved into the sandstone cliffs using advanced engineering techniques. The city's most famous landmark, the Treasury, is a magnificent example of Nabataean architecture, with intricate carvings and ornate details. ### Significance Petra's significance extends far beyond its importance as a center of trade and culture. The city's legacy has had a lasting impact on the development of Western civilization, influencing the art, architecture, and literature of the ancient world. Petra's scholars and philosophers made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, laying the foundations for later scientific discoveries. Petra's rediscovery in the 19th century CE marked a new era of interest in the city's history and culture. Today, Petra is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe. The city's unique architecture and rich history make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient history and culture. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Petra - **Type:** Ancient city - **Date:** 6th century BCE - 4th century CE - **Location:** Petra, Jordan - **Known For:** Unique architecture, trade and cultural center, library and intellectual inquiry **TAGS:** Ancient history, Nabataean Kingdom, Jordan, Petra, Rose City, trade and culture, library, intellectual inquiry, architecture, engineering, stonework.