Ancient Destinations Jordan

A trip through the Middle East can be a rewarding adventure and no where else is this more prevalent than in Jordan. The country is considered by many to be a hidden oasis. The Mediterranean climate provides pleasurable travel all year long which makes it one of the world's most unique travel destinations to explore. Jordan's biblical sites, hiking trails and ancient trade routes offers much for the inquisitive traveller.

Photo: Byron & Tamara

Situated in the southeastern desert of Jordan is Petra. The entire city is carved into a mountainside made from pink sandstone. Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt was the first European in modern times to visit the site in 1812. Petra received worldwide attention after it was seen in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The site itself is said to have about 800 structures and was the main city of the Nabataeanse people (100 BC - 100 AD). The narrow winding entrance that leads to Petra is called the Siq and it measures 650 feet in height. (More Photos)

The most famous structure at Petra is the Kazneh (aka The Treasury). This beautiful temple facade is over 40m high and is carved out from the natural pink sandstone cliff. The cliff has a series of intricate inner chambers. There is a legend that speaks of an Egyptian Pharoah that hid his treasure in an urn at the top of the Kazneh while chasing after the ancient Israelites. To this day, visitors can see numerous bullet holes on the urn. This is due to the fact that in the past people have shot at the urn to see if it really contains the pharoah's treasures. No treasures were ever found. Petra continues to be one of the most fascinating cities to explore in the ancient Middle East.

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