Petra: the capital of the Nabataeans, carved into the rocks

According to the researchers, the first inhabitants of this valley were the Edomites (also the Edomites), the tribes of the Semitic language group. But the city of Petru was founded by the Nabataeans around the 4th-3rd centuries BC. These were Arab tribes, whose empire extended to the territory of modern Jordan, Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The civilization of the Nabataeans arose around the 4th century BC. They were nomads, but had a fairly developed structure of society and had written language. It was on the basis of the Nabataean that modern Arabic script arose.

Ancient masters cut down the city right in the rocks. The palaces and temples were executed in the Hellenistic style and were not inferior to the outstanding architectural masterpieces of their time. Given that the Nabataeans were a nomadic people, it causes surprise and admiration. According to historians, the Nabataeans invested heavily in the construction of Petra. A whole city was cut down from the surrounding rocks, the population of which, according to archaeologists, was 20-30 thousand people. Houses, public and commercial buildings, the residence of rulers and religious centers - all this is surprisingly combined with the surrounding sandy landscape. The city seems to dissolve in the rocks.

The city’s water supply system was very interesting. Petra was supplied with water through a system of canals. Nabataeans living in the desert have developed a sophisticated system of dams, irrigation canals, and water conservation technology. It turned out by chance. After the terrible flood that overtook Petra in 1963, the country's leadership decided to build a dam to change the course of the rainwater flow. During construction work, the remains of an ancient dam were discovered. As it turned out, back in the II century. BC e. Nabataeans built a dam at the entrance to the gorge to divert water. Rain moisture went north through a system of tunnels, and then returned to Petra, where water was used by the population.

But in the 1st century AD, the Nabataeans nevertheless joined the Roman Empire. This happened voluntarily, the Romans could not take the city by force. Despite joining, Petra's life did not undergo significant changes. Nabatea has become a Roman province called Petraia Arabia. From the Roman period in the city also remained architectural monuments - these are traditional columns, a theater and Roman palaces.

The Nabatean state lasted until the II century. According to the researchers, the decline of the Nabataean civilization is associated with a change in trade routes in the region. With the growing influence of the Syrian city of Palmyra, located to the north, at the intersection of trade routes between Rome and the eastern civilizations (Persia, India and China), the importance of Petra began to decline, and the city gradually fell into decay.

According to archaeologists, the population left Petra in an organized and hasty manner. It is believed that in 363 AD, an earthquake occurred in these places, as a result of which the city was badly damaged, and frightened residents left it. But after the Nabataeans left Petra, the road to the city was not forgotten. Caravans of nomad Arabs stayed here to take a break from the tiring journey through the desert.

Today, the city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Archaeological and restoration work is underway here. And thousands of tourists annually come to Petra to admire the amazing city in the rocks, which delights and fascinates with its beauty.