Day 8 Petra--A.M.A.Z.I.N.G

The Number One tourist attraction in the Kingdom of Jordan is Petra.  Built by the Nabataeans over 2000 years ago.  Until recently, it was thought that their claim to fame was primarily in trade.  A new surge of inquiry has now revealed their high interest in and understanding of astronomy!  My source for such a daring assumption is none other than Mamoun Nawafleh, professor, academic, author of 'National Treasures of Jordan', a archeoastronomist, and OUR guide!

I won't go into details here, check the links if you wish, but we thought Petra was incredible before, now you wonder how much DID they know about tracking the sun and stars, the tilt of the earth, (23 1/2 degrees), marine travel and the development of the compass, and on and on.  The Treasury above is just one of numerous huge carved facades or buildings in this area.  Really hard to wrap your mind around.  If you are unfamiliar with the history of Petra, but recognize the above picture, you saw it Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom (1989).

The canyon leading into the 'city'

On both sides of the narrow canyon, are 'canals' for water to
be brought into the city's cisterns.

"Condos" for visiting traders.

This was an amphitheater built for 3000.  Recently, they brought in musicians for a concert
and realized that the natural acoustics were better than the electronic application.  The
rectangular areas in the back are not box seats but specially built chambers to help
amplify the sound.  

The carved areas were practically endless, AND over 2000 years old.