Jordan is an Arab country located on the East Bank of the Jordan river. This country is bordered with several Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Syria and Iraq. Jordan is classified as a country of high human development with upper middle income economy. This country has a lot of tourist attractions that have been authorised by UNESCO. Jordan used to be home for an ancient Nabataean Kingdom. This kingdom left a lot of art works and assets for us to see and enjoy today. One of the things that they left for us is a city that has been carved into the walls of mountains. The people of Nabataean Kingdom is very skillful in carving arts. Let’s see what this beautiful country has to offer.
- Petra
Petra is an ancient historical city located in southern Jordan. This city was known as Raqmu during its prime among the residents in the city. It is also known as the rose-red city due to the wonderful colour from the rock. This ancient city lies on the slope of Jabal Al-Madbah in Basin. There are a lot of buildings that have been constructed with carving method in Petra. Originally, it was established in the 1st century to serve as the capital city of Nabataean Kingdom.
- Al-Khazneh
Al-Khazneh is the most elaborate temple in Petra. Same goes to other buildings in Petra, this temple was carved out of sandstone rock face. The direct translation of Al-Khazneh is The Treasury and it is originally built for mausoleum and crypt in the beginning of the 1st century in the reign of King Aretas IV Philopatris. Carving art is the most beautiful art in the world but sadly it doesn’t last long. It is because many of the building’s architecture details have eroded away during the thousands of years of being abandoned since the carving.
- Ad Deir
Ad Deir is basically a carved out monumental building in the ancient Jordan city. This monument is known or El Deir which means the monastery.This building is located in the high hills northwest of Petra. It is constructed in 3 BCE dedicated to the Nabataean King and it also used as a monumental tomb. Several incised crosses were carved into the wall and that indicates this monument was reused as a church during the Byzantine period.
- The Little Petra
The Little Petra is basically a small version of Petra with the same architecture building carved into the wall of sandstone canyon. This area also known as Siq Al-barid and it is located north of Petra. Many archaeologists believe that this whole complex is suburb of Petra and it was meant to be the house for the visitors or traders on the Silk Road. This Little Petra was established in the 1st century during the peak of Nabataean Kingdom.
