Petra Fun Facts

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We’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about Petra!

This article contains over 101 fun facts about Petra, fun facts for kids, plus fun facts about its history, tourism, culture, legends, and so much more!

Petra Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Petra – About Petra

Petra is an ancient city located in the southwestern region of modern-day Jordan. It is famous for its unique architecture, carved directly into the rock, and for its historical significance as a center of trade and commerce in the ancient world.

Petra was established by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab tribe, around the 4th century BC, and it became a major hub for the trade of spices, incense, and other luxury goods between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world.

Petra was also known as the “Rose City” due to the color of the sandstone cliffs that surround it, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Today, Petra is one of Jordan’s most popular tourist destinations and is considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.

Fun Facts About Petra – 101 Fun Facts

Here are 101 fun facts about Petra:

  1. Petra is an ancient city located in the southwestern region of modern-day Jordan.
  2. Petra was established by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab tribe, around the 4th century BC.
  3. Petra was a center of trade and commerce in the ancient world, and it became a major hub for the trade of spices, incense, and other luxury goods between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world.
  4. Petra is famous for its unique architecture, carved directly into the rock.
  5. Petra was also known as the “Rose City” due to the color of the sandstone cliffs that surround it.
  6. Petra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
  7. Petra is considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
  8. Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
  9. The Treasury is the most iconic building in Petra.
  10. The Treasury is carved out of a sandstone rock face and stands over 40 meters high.
  11. The Treasury is thought to have been built around the 1st century AD.
  12. The Treasury was originally used as a tomb for a Nabataean king.
  13. The Treasury is featured in the Indiana Jones movie, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
  14. The Siq is the main entrance to Petra.
  15. The Siq is a narrow canyon that is over a kilometer long.
  16. The Siq was formed by tectonic forces millions of years ago.
  17. The Siq is over 80 meters high in some places.
  18. The Siq was used as a natural defense against invaders.
  19. The Siq was also used to divert flash floods away from Petra.
  20. The Siq is lined with tombs and temples carved into the rock.
  21. The Monastery is another famous building in Petra.
  22. The Monastery is even larger than the Treasury, standing over 45 meters high.
  23. The Monastery was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a temple.
  24. The Monastery is located at the top of a steep staircase with over 800 steps.
  25. The Monastery was also used as a church during the Byzantine period.
  26. The High Place of Sacrifice is a platform located at the top of a mountain in Petra.
  27. The High Place of Sacrifice was used for religious ceremonies by the Nabataeans.
  28. The High Place of Sacrifice offers stunning views of Petra and the surrounding landscape.
  29. The amphitheater in Petra could seat up to 8,000 people.
  30. The amphitheater was carved out of the rock in the 1st century AD.
  31. The amphitheater was used for public gatherings and performances.
  32. The amphitheater was also used for gladiator battles.
  33. The Great Temple is a large complex located in the center of Petra.
  34. The Great Temple was built in the 1st century BC and was used for religious ceremonies.
  35. The Great Temple had a large courtyard, a sacrificial altar, and multiple rooms.
  36. The Great Temple was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century AD.
  37. The Royal Tombs are a series of tombs located in a cliff face in Petra.
  38. The Royal Tombs were used by the Nabataean kings and their families.
  39. The Royal Tombs feature intricate carvings and decorations.
  40. The Street of Facades is a row of tombs and temples located in Petra.
  41. The Street of Facades is over 500 meters long.
  42. The Street of Facades features over 40 tombs and temples.
  43. The Obelisk Tomb is one of the most famous tombs on the Street of Facades.
  44. The Obelisk Tomb is named for the four obelisks carved into the top of the tomb.
  45. The Obelisk Tomb was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a tomb for a Nabataean king.
  46. The Urn Tomb is another famous tomb located on the Street of Facades.
  47. The Urn Tomb is named for the large urn-shaped carving above the entrance.
  48. The Urn Tomb was built in the 1st century BC and was used as a tomb for a Nabataean nobleman.
  49. The Silk Tomb is another notable tomb on the Street of Facades.
  50. The Silk Tomb is named for the colors of the sandstone, which resemble woven silk.
  51. The Silk Tomb was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a tomb for a Nabataean family.
  52. The Corinthian Tomb is a large tomb located on the Street of Facades.
  53. The Corinthian Tomb is named for the Corinthian-style columns that adorn the facade.
  54. The Corinthian Tomb was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a tomb for a Nabataean king.
  55. The Colonnaded Street is a street lined with columns in Petra.
  56. The Colonnaded Street was built in the 1st century AD and was used for commercial purposes.
  57. The Colonnaded Street is over 600 meters long.
  58. The Colonnaded Street features shops, markets, and public buildings.
  59. The Petra Church is an early Christian church located in Petra.
  60. The Petra Church was built in the 5th century AD.
  61. The Petra Church features intricate mosaics and frescoes.
  62. The Petra Church was used by both Byzantine and Arab Christians.
  63. The Petra Pool Complex is a large complex of pools and gardens in Petra.
  64. The Petra Pool Complex was built in the 1st century AD and was used for irrigation and leisure.
  65. The Petra Pool Complex features several large pools, fountains, and gardens.
  66. The Petra Garden Tomb is a tomb located in a garden in Petra.
  67. The Petra Garden Tomb is named for the lush gardens that surround it.
  68. The Petra Garden Tomb was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a tomb for a Nabataean family.
  69. The Petra Garden Tomb features intricate carvings and decorations.
  70. The Triclinium is a large banquet hall located in Petra.
  71. The Triclinium was built in the 1st century AD and was used for banquets and other events.
  72. The Triclinium features a large central hall and several smaller rooms.
  73. The Triclinium was decorated with colorful frescoes and mosaics.
  74. The Petra Archaeological Museum is a museum located in Petra.
  75. The Petra Archaeological Museum features artifacts from the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
  76. The Petra Archaeological Museum also features exhibits on the history and culture of Petra.
  77. The Petra Night Show is a light and sound show held at Petra at night.
  78. The Petra Night Show features colorful lighting and music.
  79. The Petra Night Show highlights the beauty and history of Petra.
  80. The Petra Kitchen is a restaurant located in Petra.
  81. The Petra Kitchen features traditional Jordanian cuisine.
  82. The Petra Kitchen offers cooking classes and demonstrations.
  83. The Petra Visitor Center is the main entrance to Petra.
  84. The Petra Visitor Center features exhibits on the history and culture of Petra.
  85. The Petra Visitor Center also offers information on visiting Petra and its various attractions.
  86. The Al-Deir Monastery is a large structure located high on a hill in Petra.
  87. The Al-Deir Monastery is named for its resemblance to a monastery.
  88. The Al-Deir Monastery was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a Nabataean tomb.
  89. The Al-Deir Monastery features intricate carvings and decorations.
  90. The High Place of Sacrifice is a large platform located high above Petra.
  91. The High Place of Sacrifice was used for religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
  92. The High Place of Sacrifice features several altars and offering stones.
  93. The High Place of Sacrifice offers stunning views of Petra and the surrounding area.
  94. The Lion Monument is a small monument located in Petra.
  95. The Lion Monument is named for the two lions carved into the rock.
  96. The Lion Monument was built in the 1st century AD and was used as a memorial.
  97. The Lion Monument is thought to have been dedicated to a Nabataean king.
  98. The Street of Tombs is a street lined with tombs in Petra.
  99. The Street of Tombs features over 70 tombs and monuments.
  100. The Street of Tombs was used for burials from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD.
  101. The Street of Tombs features a variety of tomb styles, from simple caves to elaborate temples.

Fun Facts About Petra – 25 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 25 fun facts about Petra that kids might enjoy:

  1. Petra is an ancient city in Jordan, famous for its impressive buildings carved out of stone.
  2. The city was built around 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab tribe.
  3. The Nabateans were known for their skills in engineering, especially in creating water systems to survive in the desert.
  4. Petra was one of the most important cities in the ancient world, as it was a major trading hub for spices, silk, and other valuable goods.
  5. The city is also known as the “Rose City” because of the color of the stone that many of its buildings are made from.
  6. One of the most famous buildings in Petra is the Treasury, which was carved into the rock face and features intricate details and carvings.
  7. Many of the buildings in Petra are decorated with carvings of animals, people, and symbols.
  8. Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, after it had been abandoned for hundreds of years.
  9. It is estimated that Petra was home to around 30,000 people at its peak.
  10. The city is surrounded by cliffs and canyons, which helped to protect it from invaders.
  11. Petra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
  12. The city was used as a filming location for the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
  13. There are many hiking trails in Petra that visitors can explore, including the popular Al Khubtha trail.
  14. Petra has its own theater, which could seat up to 8,500 people.
  15. Some of the buildings in Petra were used as tombs for important figures.
  16. The city was believed to have been abandoned in the 7th century AD, possibly due to an earthquake.
  17. The Nabateans worshipped a variety of gods, including Dushara, the chief god of Petra.
  18. Petra is located in a valley, which helps to keep the temperature cooler than the surrounding desert.
  19. The city was known for its fine textiles, which were made from materials such as silk and wool.
  20. Petra was also known for its agriculture, as the Nabateans were skilled in farming and irrigation.
  21. Many of the buildings in Petra were constructed using a technique called “rock-cut architecture,” which involves carving the building directly out of the rock face.
  22. The city has a number of important water systems, including a dam and a complex network of channels and cisterns.
  23. The Nabateans were skilled in metalworking, and many of their artifacts have been found in and around Petra.
  24. Petra was an important crossroads for trade routes between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
  25. Today, Petra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Fun Facts About Petra – History

The following are some historical fun facts about Petra

Petra is an ancient city located in modern-day Jordan. The city was built by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab tribe, around 312 BC. The Nabateans were known for their skills in engineering, especially in creating water systems to survive in the desert. Petra was a major trading hub for spices, silk, and other valuable goods, and was one of the most important cities in the ancient world.

Petra’s strategic location, surrounded by cliffs and canyons, helped to protect it from invaders. The city was also known for its impressive buildings carved out of stone, including the Treasury, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs. Many of these buildings were decorated with intricate carvings of animals, people, and symbols.

The Nabateans worshipped a variety of gods, including Dushara, the chief god of Petra. They were also skilled in metalworking, agriculture, and textiles, and their artifacts have been found in and around Petra.

In 106 AD, Petra came under Roman rule, and the city continued to thrive as a center of trade and culture. However, by the 7th century AD, the city had been abandoned, possibly due to an earthquake. Petra remained lost to the world until it was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812.

Today, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jordan. Its rich history and impressive architecture continue to fascinate visitors from around the world.

Fun Facts About Petra – Design

The following are some information and fun facts about Petra’s design.

Petra’s design is characterized by its impressive buildings carved out of the rock face. Many of these buildings were constructed using a technique called “rock-cut architecture,” which involves carving the building directly out of the rock. This allowed the Nabateans to create buildings with intricate details and designs, as well as providing natural protection from the elements.

The city’s most famous building is the Treasury, which was carved into the rock face and features a large facade decorated with columns, statues, and intricate carvings. Other notable buildings include the Monastery, which is similar in design to the Treasury but larger in size, and the Royal Tombs, which are carved into the cliffs above the city.

Petra’s buildings were decorated with a variety of carvings, including depictions of animals, people, and symbols. The Nabateans were known for their skilled craftsmanship, and their designs were influenced by the cultures with which they traded, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian.

The city’s layout was designed to take advantage of its natural surroundings, with buildings and structures located in valleys and canyons. Petra also had an elaborate system of water channels and cisterns to collect and distribute water, which was essential for the city’s survival in the desert.

Overall, Petra’s design is a testament to the Nabateans’ engineering skills and creativity, and continues to impress and inspire visitors to this day.

Fun Facts About Petra – Cultural Significance

Another fun fact is that Petra is a site of significant cultural and historical importance. As an ancient city that was once a hub of trade and commerce, it played a key role in the cultural exchange between the Nabateans and other civilizations in the ancient world.

The Nabateans were a nomadic Arab tribe who settled in Petra around the 4th century BC. They developed a unique culture and architecture that was influenced by the civilizations with which they traded, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. As a result, Petra’s architecture and art reflect a blend of styles from different regions and periods.

The city’s strategic location also contributed to its cultural significance, as it served as a gateway between the East and West. This allowed for the exchange of ideas, goods, and cultures, which helped shape the development of civilization in the region.

In addition to its cultural significance, Petra is also a site of religious importance. The Nabateans worshipped a variety of gods, including Dushara, the chief god of Petra. The city also contains tombs and shrines that were used for religious purposes.

Today, Petra is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Its rich history, cultural significance, and impressive architecture continue to inspire and fascinate visitors from around the world.

Fun Facts About Petra – Tourism

Another fun fact about Petra is that tourism is a major industry in Petra, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at the city’s impressive architecture and rich history. The site is managed by the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), which is responsible for ensuring the preservation and conservation of the site.

Visitors to Petra usually enter through the Siq, a narrow canyon that leads to the city’s main entrance. Once inside the city, visitors can explore the various buildings, tombs, and temples that make up the site. The most famous of these is the Treasury, which is a popular spot for taking photos.

In addition to the main attractions, there are also a variety of hiking trails that lead visitors to lesser-known parts of the site, including the Monastery, which is located at the top of a steep climb. Camel and horse rides are also available for those who want to experience Petra in a unique way.

To manage the crowds, the PDTRA has implemented a system of timed tickets, which limit the number of visitors allowed in the site at any given time. There are also rules in place to ensure that visitors do not damage or disturb the site, including prohibitions on climbing on the buildings or carving names into the rock.

Tourism at Petra has had a significant impact on the local economy, providing jobs and income for the surrounding communities. However, it has also brought challenges, including the need to balance the preservation of the site with the demands of tourism. As a result, efforts are underway to ensure that tourism is sustainable and responsible, and that the site remains a cultural treasure for generations to come.

About Petra – Legends

In addition to fun facts about Petra, it has a rich history and many legends have been associated with the city over the years. Here are a few examples of Petra legends:

The Legend of the Treasury’s Hidden Treasure: The most famous of Petra’s legends is the tale of the hidden treasure in the Treasury. According to the legend, the urn at the top of the Treasury’s facade held a secret treasure, but no one has been able to find it yet.

The Legend of the Seven Sleepers: Another legend associated with Petra is the story of the Seven Sleepers, a group of young men who sought refuge in a cave in the city to escape persecution. The men fell asleep and woke up 300 years later, by which time their story had become a legend.

The Legend of the Sacrificial Altar: According to this legend, there is a sacrificial altar in the city that was used by the Nabateans to offer human sacrifices to their gods. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.

The Legend of the Djinn Blocks: The Djinn Blocks are a set of large stones near the entrance to Petra that are said to have been moved into place by supernatural beings known as djinn. The blocks are said to have been moved to protect the city from invaders.

The Legend of the Prophet Aaron’s Tomb: According to this legend, the tomb of the biblical figure Prophet Aaron is located in Petra. Many visitors to the site still believe this legend and visit the tomb to pay their respects.

It’s worth noting that while many of these legends are fascinating, they are not based in historical fact and should be taken with a grain of salt.

About Petra – Symbols

In addition to fun facts about Petra, it is also home to several symbols that are closely associated with the city and its history. Here are a few examples:

The Treasury: The most iconic symbol of Petra is the Treasury, which is also known as Al-Khazneh. This building, with its impressive facade, is the first thing visitors see as they enter the city and has become a symbol of Petra itself.

The Siq: The Siq is a narrow canyon that leads to Petra’s main entrance. This winding path, with its towering walls of rock, is another iconic symbol of the city.

The Monastery: The Monastery is a building located at the top of a steep climb that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Its distinctive facade, with its large central doorway, is another symbol of Petra.

The Nabatean Script: The Nabateans developed their own script, which is a symbol of their unique culture and history. Examples of this script can be found throughout the city, carved into rock surfaces and on inscriptions.

The Rock-Cut Architecture: Petra’s impressive rock-cut architecture is another symbol of the city. The Nabateans were skilled at carving buildings, tombs, and other structures into the soft sandstone cliffs, creating a unique and impressive architectural style that is closely associated with Petra.

These symbols, along with the city’s rich history and cultural significance, continue to inspire and fascinate visitors from around the world.

Other Interesting Things About Petra – Quotes

In addition to the fun facts about Petra, the following are a few famous quotes about Petra:

“It seems no work of Man’s creative hand, / by labour wrought as wavering fancy planned; / But from the rock as if by magic grown, / eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!” – John William Burgon, English clergyman and poet, describing Petra’s Treasury.

“Petra, the inaccessible city, as fabulous as the Atlantis.” – John Lloyd Stephens, American explorer and author.

“The whole rock seems to be made of marble, its smooth surface reflecting the bright sunshine, and the brilliant colours of the surrounding foliage.” – Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Swiss explorer and geographer, describing Petra’s Monastery.

“In its mysterious rose-red hue, Petra is a beguiling enigma, a city lost to the Western world for more than 1,000 years.” – Queen Noor of Jordan, describing Petra’s beauty and mystery.

“The Petra cliffs are a canvas painted by a giant hand, with colours that shift from pink to russet to gold with the passage of the sun.” – Marguerite Van Geldermalsen, New Zealand author and former resident of Petra.

These quotes capture the awe and wonder that visitors have felt upon seeing Petra’s impressive architecture, natural beauty, and rich history.

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