Ten Interesting Facts about Petra

South Gate of Jerash, Jordan (By Bernard Gagnon [CC BY SA 2.0], via wikimedia commons)

As one of the most popular destinations in Jordan, the city of Petra attracted 609,044 visitors in 2013, according to figures provided by the Petra National Trust. The city has quite the storied history, but many believe it also holds tight to secrets that have not yet been revealed.  Petra is located approximately 80 meters from the Dead Sea and within the Wadi Valley.

Some say the Bedouins used the city’s monuments for target practice; others note that the salt from the Dead Sea is weakening the structures there. Regardless, there’s much to see and experience in “The Lost City.”If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, keep these facts in mind and consider a stop in Petra.

1. The Siq and Al Khazneh were featured locations in the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade movie. 
   , via Wikimedia Commons
2. One of the most popular monuments in Petra is the sandstone bust of Dushara. 
   • Dushara is known as the city’s main male deity, which was worshipped by the Nabaetaens. The bust weighs in at more than 2,100 pounds.
3. Petra is a World Heritage Site.
   , via Wikimedia Commons
4. Researchers are analyzing scrolls found in Petra that date back to the Byzantine period.
   •  The scrolls were discovered in December 1993, in an excavated church near the Winged Lion Temple.
5. Only a fraction of the city has been explored. 
   , via Wikimedia Commons
6. The Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. 
   , via Wikimedia Commons
7. There are hundreds of monuments to explore in the city. 
   •  There are 800 monuments or structures within the city, including the Pharaoh’s Treasure, a mausoleum.
8. Petra was part of a thriving trade route.
   , via Wikimedia Commons
9. Petra was captured in battle, twice.
   • Muslims captured the city in the seventh century; the Crusaders took the city in the 12^th Century.
10. Petra was hidden from the outside world until 1812. 

    , via Wikimedia Commons

     

     

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Did this post spark a desire to travel to Jordan and explore Petra for yourself? You’re in luck! We, at Gil Travel, have several Jordan tour options available, and some can be combined with a trip to Israel, if you’re interested. Of course, we can help you personalize any tour to suit your needs as well.

Contact Gil Travel today to learn more about the Jordan tours available for the 2014-2015 travel season! Click the button below to have an agent contact you with more information.