Ancient City of Petra History

Ancient City of Petra History

 

Knowing Petra through the historian’s eye

 

The ancient city of Petra history reveals that Nabataeans ruled the whole region from this capital city. There are many secrets hidden in the structures. Historians have just begun to unfold the mysteries behind its existence. It is believed that the stone-hewn city of Petra was built to align with celestial powers. The ancient city of Petra, as historians believe, was the capital of the Nabatean kingdom, which ruled the modern day Jordan from third century BC until the first century AD.

 

Who were Nabataeans?

 

According to a belief, the Nabataeans who came from humble nomadic origins in the vast deserts of northern Arabia somewhere during the Persian period (539-332 B.C.), first established themselves in the area around Petra and began to establish themselves as traders and middlemen. But as their economic position strengthened, the Nabataeans took over all of the lands bordering the Arabian frontier, a vast territory stretching from Damascus in the north to Hegra in the south.

 

The Ancient city of Petra takes shape

 

By the first century BC, Petra was a capital city as its rulers raked in large profits from an international spice trade that extended from India to Rome. The flow of wealth and position forced the Nabataean kings to present their city as an international city. This thought led them to adopt and assimilate the styles, tastes and the traditions of Hellenistic civilization. The ancient city of Petra, as historians reveal, much like Jerusalem under the Herodian dynasty, derived most of the architecture from Greco-Roman cities.

 

Hellenistic Influence on the architecture

 

Any visitor perceives the distinctly Hellenized flavor in the ancient city of Petra history. This is visible in the ornate façade of the Khazneh, the Treasury, in the remains of a Greco-Roman style theater, and its multi-tiered seating. From the theater’s seats, you can just perceive the detailed Hellenistic rock-cut façades of the Royal Tombs, where the Nabataean kings and queens are believed to be resting in peace. Even the remains of the luxurious pools and gardens speak of the Hellenistic influence on the city culture.