The Ancients Petra: Ancient Wonder of the World
5 snips
Aug 29, 2024 Discover the mysterious rose-red city of Petra, once hidden for centuries. Learn how the ingenious Nabataeans transformed a desert into a thriving oasis with advanced water management. Explore architectural wonders like the Treasury and the influence of figures like King Aretas IV. Uncover the rise and fall of this ancient trade hub, including its decline after a devastating earthquake. Plus, delve into Petra's legacy, marked by influences from Roman culture and its portrayal in pop culture, all wrapped in a captivating historical narrative.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Petra's Rediscovery
- Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered Petra in 1812 after it was lost to Western knowledge for centuries.
- He described the Treasury as the "most beautiful ancient building in the Eastern Mediterranean."
Nabataean Settlement
- The Nabataeans settled in Petra, located southeast of the Dead Sea, in modern-day Jordan.
- Before them, the area belonged to the Edomites, a Semitic people mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.
Strategic Trade Hub
- The Nabataeans thrived due to Petra's strategic location on Middle Eastern trade routes.
- Trading goods like spices, silks, and incense increased their wealth and population.