THE HOLY LANDS
Petra - Kings Highway
Jordan
Petra needs no introduction, but here is one regardless. A masterpiece of human craftsmanship, a wonder of the world, carved in the red, sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. From grand city to lost ruins to jewel of modern Jordan, Petra is an experience regardless the century.
Built by the Nabateans, an ancient Arab people emerging as a civilization in the 4th century B.C., Petra utilized the hidden canyons for security and its location along the King’s Highway for wealth. And great wealth the Nabateans found, whether from spice in Arabia or silk in China, affording them the opportunity to construct opulent palaces and tombs carved vertically on the cliff face, aptly named “City of Rock.” Roman rule in the Holy Lands promoted Petra to be one of the main arteries of trade between the east and west, firmly establishing Petra as a Silk Road outpost in the early centuries after Christ.
However, towards the end of Roman rule and the height of Byzantine, Petra slowly decayed, eventually succumbing to the sands of time, and the thing of legends. As famously recanted by Swiss explorer Buckhardt in 1812, he disguised himself as an Arab holy man and gained entrance to the City of Rock, the first foreigner presumably for centuries. Today, the times have changed significantly, where visitors from around the world fight for space now to take the iconic photos of the Treasury in Petra. For thousands of years, Petra enchanted and instilled a sense of adventure to those willing to make it out there.
THE SILK ROAD JOURNAL
How We Got Here
Petra conveniently lies off the main north-south highway through Jordan. A car can be hired from Amman to make the 3 to 4 hour journey to the city of rock.
The Highlight
Seeing the treasury for the first remains a memory we will never forget, but it was honestly exploring the lesser known sites spread across the massive desert. Spend a few days to get a better picture of the size of Petra,
Our Treasure
The first day we explored till dark, lost in our enchantment exploring the ruins. Walking back, we shared the sites with only the local Bedouins, a unique experience for a place that is packed during the day.
Explore More
➨ The King's Highway - Read the Story
S N A P S H O T S O N T H E R O A D
W H E R E W I L L Y O U R J O U R N E Y T A K E Y O U N E X T ?
Petra reignited something in you, giving you strength to complete the final stretch of the King's Highway, through deserts and canyons and blistering conditions. The prize? Much needed rest on the Red Sea at the port of Aqaba. From there, get your sea legs ready as the route changes to vessels.