Top 50 Unknown and Interesting Facts About Petra: The Rose-Red City of Jordan
One of the most beautiful ancient sites in the world, Petra is tucked away among the rocky highlands of southern Jordan. It is known as a “rose-red city” because of the distinctive hue of its sandstone cliffs. The Nabataean monarchy, a civilization that peaked in the fourth century BCE, had its prosperous capital in this ancient city. Petra’s wealth and diverse culture were influenced by its advantageous location along trade routes that linked Egypt, Arabia, and the Mediterranean.

Al-Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, is the most recognizable building in Petra. It is a stunning temple-like facade that is set into the rock. This 40-meter-tall work of art, which features elaborate Greco-Roman architectural influences, was used as a royal burial.
Other notable locations are the Siq, a tiny ravine with tall walls that leads tourists into the center of Petra, and the Monastery (Ad Deir), an equally imposing building at the summit of a difficult climb. In addition, Petra has hundreds of finely carved caves and structures, Roman-style theaters, temples, and tombs that demonstrate the Nabataeans’ inventiveness in urban planning and water management.
Since its rediscovery by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812, Petra has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, its magnificent architecture and air of mystery draw tourists and historians from all over the world. This archeological wonder attracts tourists who are eager to take in its timeless beauty because it is not only a monument to the Nabataean civilization but also a representation of Jordan’s rich cultural legacy.
Below, explore 50 lesser-known and intriguing facts about this remarkable city.
1. Petra’s Origins Date Back Over 9,000 Years
- Though the Nabataeans established Petra as their capital in the 4th century BCE, the area had been inhabited by humans as early as 7,000 BCE.
2. Petra’s Real Name Wasn’t Always Petra
- Originally known as “Raqmu” by the Nabataeans, “Petra” is a Greek word meaning “rock,” highlighting the rock-hewn nature of the city.
3. It Was the Capital of the Nabataean Kingdom
- Petra served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, a powerful trading civilization that controlled many of the trade routes in the Arabian Peninsula.
4. The Nabataeans Were Masters of Water Management
- Despite Petra’s arid environment, the Nabataeans developed advanced water channels, dams, and cisterns, which allowed them to store water during rainy seasons.
5. Petra Was Hidden From the West Until 1812
- Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra in 1812, sharing its beauty with the world after centuries of obscurity.
6. Petra’s Architecture Reflects Diverse Influences
- The Nabataeans incorporated Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles into their buildings, showcasing the city’s status as a cultural melting pot.
7. It’s One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Petra was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, solidifying its status as a globally significant archaeological site.
8. The Siq Serves as Petra’s Entrance
- The Siq is a narrow gorge that stretches for over a kilometer, acting as the grand entrance to Petra. Its dramatic cliffs guide visitors toward the city’s heart.
9. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) Isn’t a Treasury
- Despite its name, the Treasury likely served as a royal tomb or temple rather than a repository for treasures.
10. It’s Been Featured in Many Movies
- Petra has served as a filming location for films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, bringing the ancient city into pop culture.
11. Petra Was a Thriving Trade Center
- Located on major trade routes, Petra was a central hub for trade in spices, silk, and other goods traveling between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean.
12. Many Structures Were Carved Top-Down
- Nabataean stone carvers worked from the top of the cliffs down to avoid dangerous rock falls as they sculpted their city.
13. Petra Was Abandoned in the 7th Century
- After a combination of earthquakes, trade route shifts, and foreign invasions, Petra was largely abandoned by the 7th century.
14. The Bedouin Tribes Once Lived in Petra’s Ruins
- The Bedouin tribes called Petra home for centuries, living in its caves and using its natural resources.
15. The Treasury is Petra’s Most Iconic Structure
- Known for its intricate facade, the Treasury stands at an impressive 39 meters (127 feet) tall.
16. Petra’s Population Once Reached 20,000 People
- At its peak, Petra may have been home to over 20,000 Nabataeans, making it a significant urban center of its time.
17. Nabataean Script Inspired Arabic Writing
- The Nabataean script was one of the forerunners of the Arabic alphabet, showcasing Petra’s role in linguistic history.
18. The Monastery (Ad-Deir) is Even Bigger than the Treasury
- Standing at 47 meters (154 feet) tall, the Monastery dwarfs the Treasury and is accessible only by climbing over 800 steps.
19. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985 due to its cultural and historical significance.
20. The Colors of Petra Shift Throughout the Day
- The sandstone’s colors change as the sun moves, giving Petra a new appearance depending on the time of day.
21. Petra’s Builders Used Advanced Engineering
- The Nabataeans used a system of pipes and channels to direct water and prevent flash floods, showcasing their engineering prowess.
22. The Colonnaded Street Was Petra’s Main Street
- The Colonnaded Street, flanked by columns, was once the city’s bustling main road, lined with shops and markets.
23. Earthquakes Played a Major Role in Petra’s Abandonment
- Several earthquakes in the 4th and 6th centuries damaged Petra’s structures and water system, contributing to the city’s decline.
24. The Temple of the Winged Lions is One of Petra’s Mysteries
- Little is known about the Temple of the Winged Lions, though its intricate carvings and statues suggest it was a place of importance.
25. Ancient Graffiti Offers Clues About Petra’s History
- Archaeologists have discovered graffiti on Petra’s walls, providing valuable insights into its inhabitants’ lives.

26. Petra Has Multiple Tomb Types
- Petra’s tombs vary in style, with some being simple and others elaborately decorated, likely reflecting social status.
27. The “Royal Tombs” Include Some of Petra’s Grandest Structures
- These tombs, which include the Urn Tomb, Silk Tomb, and Corinthian Tomb, are larger and more ornate than many others in Petra.
28. Altar Sacrifices Took Place on Petra’s High Places
- High above Petra, sacrificial altars were used for religious ceremonies and offerings to the gods.
29. Petra’s Theater Held Over 8,000 People
- The Nabataeans constructed an amphitheater capable of seating thousands, later expanded by the Romans.
30. A Walk Through the Siq Feels Like Entering Another World
- Walking through the Siq, with its towering cliffs and narrow passageways, feels surreal, adding to Petra’s mystique.
31. The Nabataeans Were Skilled Stonemasons
- Their skill in carving intricate designs and large structures from solid rock is evident throughout Petra.
32. Petra’s Water System Supported Farming
- The Nabataeans grew crops around Petra, utilizing their water management techniques to sustain agriculture in the arid landscape.
33. Roman Influence is Evident in Petra
- After the Roman annexation of Nabataea in 106 CE, Petra saw Roman architectural and cultural influences.
34. Petra Was Once Much Greener
- In its heyday, Petra featured gardens and green spaces sustained by its advanced irrigation system.
35. The Nabataeans Practiced Polytheism
- Nabataean religion included gods like Dushara, the supreme god, and al-Uzza, a goddess associated with fertility.
36. Petra Was Part of the Silk Road Network
- As a major hub on the Silk Road, Petra facilitated trade between Asia and the Mediterranean.
37. Visitors Once Believed Petra’s Water Had Healing Powers
- Petra’s natural spring was thought to have healing properties, drawing visitors for both commerce and health.
38. Petra’s Mountain Trails Offer Stunning Views
- Several trails around Petra lead to stunning vantage points, including views of Wadi Araba and beyond.
39. The Treasury May Have Been Inspired by Alexandrian Tombs
- The design of the Treasury likely drew inspiration from tombs found in Alexandria, Egypt.
40. The “Street of Facades” Showcases Nabataean Artistry
- This row of elaborate facades features smaller tombs with intricate designs, showcasing Nabataean craftsmanship.
41. It’s One of the Largest Archaeological Sites in the World
- Petra covers an impressive 264,000 square meters, making it one of the world’s largest archaeological sites.
42. The Nabataeans May Have Used Musical Instruments in Rituals
- Instruments like drums and flutes were likely used during Nabataean religious ceremonies and rituals.
43. The Bedouins Hold Petra’s Oral History
- Local Bedouins preserve Petra’s oral history, passing down stories and legends about the ancient city.
44. Petra’s Buildings Are Eroding Due to Tourism and Weather
- Increased foot traffic and natural weathering have caused concerns about Petra’s preservation.
45. Artifacts from Petra Have Been Found in Other Regions
- Nabataean pottery and art have been discovered far from Petra, indicating the vast reach of their influence.
46. Petra’s Walls Are Marked by Nabataean Inscriptions
- Nabataean inscriptions on Petra’s walls reveal information about religious beliefs, trade, and politics.
47. The Nabataeans Used Natural Caves as Dwellings
- Petra’s inhabitants utilized existing caves as homes, some of which are still visible today.
48. Petra’s Colors Reflect Geological Diversity
- The vibrant colors of Petra’s sandstone result from the minerals within, including iron and manganese.
49. Petra’s Cisterns Were Ingeniously Designed
- The Nabataeans designed cisterns to capture water from brief rain showers, storing it for dry seasons.
50. Petra’s Rediscovery Sparked a Wave of Exploration
- After Burckhardt’s rediscovery, other European explorers traveled to Petra, leading to a renewed fascination with ancient ruins.